A comparative analysis of APGAR score and the gold standard in the diagnosis of birth asphyxia at a tertiary health facility in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Birth asphyxia is a consistent key contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, notably in sub-Saharan Africa. The APGAR score, though a globally used diagnostic tool for birth asphyxia, remains largely understudied especially in resource-poor settings.

Objective

This study determined how effectively the APGAR score is used to diagnose birth asphyxia in comparison to the gold standard (umbilical cord blood pH <7 with neurologic involvement) at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and identified healthcare provider factors that affect ineffective use of the score.

Methods

Using a quantitative cross-sectional hospital-based design, term babies born in MTRH who weighed ≥2500g were randomly and systematically sampled; and healthcare providers who assi

SUBMITTER: Njie AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10208496 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature