Determinants Of Low Apgar Score In Newborns Delivered At Lemlem Karl General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2018: A Case Control Study

Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to investigate determinant factors of low Apgar score in newborns delivered at Lemlem Karl General Hospital, Tigray National Regional State, Ethiopia; 2018. RESULTS: Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers were not significantly associated . However, antepartum hemorrhage (AOR=3.509; 95%CI 1.526-8.067), pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders (AOR=2.69; 95%CI 1.351-5.357), prolonged second stage of labor (AOR=2.630; 95%CI 1.399-4.944), meconium stained liquor (AOR=6.955; 95%CI 3.721-13.001)) & low birth weight (AOR=4.380; 95%CI 2.216-8.657) were significantly associated with low Apgar score. Some obstetric factors & one fetal factor were significantly associated with low Apgar score. Therefore, improving labor management of mothers those who are diagnosed with antepartum hemorrhage, pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders, prolonged second stage of labor, and meconium stained liquor is recommended. KEY WORDS : Determinant, Low Apgar score, Ethiopia.