The Relationship Between Maternal Age and Gestational Age with the Incidence of Asphyxia in Newborns at the Kendari City Regional General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Neonatal asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality, characterized by the failure to initiate and sustain regular breathing immediately after birth. Risk factors such as maternal age and gestational age are crucial concerns due to their contribution to the incidence of asphyxia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal age and gestational age with the incidence of asphyxia in newborns at Kendari City General Hospital. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with an analytical survey approach. The population included all newborns diagnosed with asphyxia at Kendari City General Hospital in 2022. A total of 79 cases were selected through total sampling. Data were obtained from medical records and analyzed using univariate and bivariate (Chi-Square) analysis with a significance level of 0.10. Results: The findings showed a significant relationship between maternal age and the incidence of asphyxia (p = 0.041), with mothers at risk age groups (<20 and >35 years) more likely to experience mild asphyxia. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between gestational age and asphyxia (p = 0.380), although distribution patterns indicated an increase in severe asphyxia in post-term pregnancies.Conclusion: Maternal age is significantly associated with the occurrence of neonatal asphyxia. Although gestational age was not statistically significant, the distribution trend suggests a higher risk. Early intervention and close monitoring of high-risk maternal age and non-term pregnancies are crucial in reducing the incidence of neonatal asphyxia.