RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INCIDENCE OF NEONATORUM ASPHYXIA IN NEWBORNS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Neonatal asphyxia remains one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The occurrence of neonatal asphyxia is influenced by various maternal, obstetric, and neonatal factors, with inconsistent findings reported across studies. Therefore, a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence is needed to identify the most significant risk factors and support evidence-based prevention strategies. Objective: This study aimed to identify and analyze the risk factors associated with neonatal asphyxia based on published scientific literature. Methods: This study employed a literature review design by analyzing ten national and international scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025. The reviewed studies included case-control, cross-sectional, systematic review, and meta-analysis designs. Articles were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted according to study characteristics, research design, sample size, and reported risk factors, and subsequently synthesized using a narrative approach. Results: The findings demonstrated that the most consistently reported risk factors for neonatal asphyxia were prematurity, low birth weight (LBW), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged labor, abnormal gestational age, maternal hypertension, maternal anemia, fetal malpresentation, and delivery interventions such as cesarean section, labor induction, and instrumental delivery. Several studies also identified primiparity, advanced maternal age, placental abnormalities, fetal distress, and umbilical cord complications as contributing factors. Among these, prematurity, LBW, PROM, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were the most frequently reported determinants across the reviewed studies. Conclusion: Neonatal asphyxia is a multifactorial condition resulting from the interaction of maternal, obstetric, and neonatal factors. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies through comprehensive antenatal care, appropriate intrapartum management, and timely neonatal resuscitation are essential strategies to reduce the incidence of neonatal asphyxia and improve neonatal survival outcomes.