EC Paediatrics

Background: Birth trauma is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and disability globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It refers to structural or functional impairment resulting from mechanical forces during labor and delivery. This study aims to investigate the magnitude, pattern, and contributing factors of birth trauma among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital (ATRH), Ethiopia. Data were collected from the medical records of neonates admitted to the NICU between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024. A total of 189 neonates were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify contributing factors.

Results: Among the 189 neonates included, the overall magnitude of birth trauma was 24.3% (46 cases), corresponding to an incidence of 243 per 1,000 live births. Subgaleal hemorrhage was the most frequent type of injury, accounting for 47.8% of cases, followed by caput succedaneum (21.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between birth trauma and cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) (AOR 12.2, 95% CI: 3.0-49.2, p < 0.0001), instrumental delivery (AOR 16.6, 95% CI: 3.5-79.8, p < 0.0001), maternal age < 26 years (AOR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.2-8.9, p = 0.01), and macrosomia (AOR 4.7, 95% CI: 1.7-33.0, p = 0.049).

Conclusion: The prevalence of birth trauma in this setting is notably high. Instrumental delivery, young maternal age, CPD, and macrosomia were identified as independent predictors of birth trauma. Strategies focusing on strict indications for instrumental delivery and early identification of CPD and macrosomia are essential to reduce the burden of birth injuries.

 Keywords: Birth Trauma; Neonate; Asella; Ethiopia; Instrumental Delivery; Subgaleal Hemorrhage

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