East African medical journal
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Asphyxia of the newborn in east, central and southern Africa.
Very scanty information is available in East, Central and Southern Africa on the incidence and risk factors associated with asphyxia of the newborn. A multicentre prospective study involving 4267 deliveries in eight countries was undertaken over a three month period, in maternity units of the central hospitals to determine the incidence; maternal, service and logistic risk factors for asphyxia of the newborn as determined by an abnormally low apgar score. 30% of births were by primigravida mothers, of whom 67% were teenagers. A birth by a teenager had a higher risk for low birth weight. ⋯ These should include identification of the at risk mother, proper referral and management while adhering to correct established procedures. There is also need to develop appropriate and relevant technologies for perinatal and neonatal care through research undertaken in the region. It is also concluded that the co-operation and joint effort between the obstetricians, paediatricians and the nursing staff who all contributed to the collection of this data is a cost effective approach to research in perinatal health and consequently in instituting interventions.