Proportion and Factors Associated with Low Fifth-Minute Apgar Score Among Singleton Newborn Babies at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital

Kansiime Richard

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda.

ABSTRACT

This research looks at the factors that lead to low fifth-minute Apgar scores in singleton babies at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, as well as their prevalence. Five minutes after birth, the Apgar score—a critical measure of a newborn’s health—is computed to determine if medical intervention is necessary. Concerns about the high rates of newborn illness and death in the area prompted the investigation, which sought to determine the main causes of low Apgar scores. Information was gathered from medical records and examined to determine the percentage of babies with an Apgar score of fewer than 7. The correlation between low scores and variables including maternal health, delivery problems, and newborn conditions was investigated. The results show a strong relationship between low fifth-minute Apgar scores and birth weight, method of delivery, mother age, and the quality of prenatal care. The research emphasises how crucial it is to advance maternal and neonatal healthcare procedures in order to improve the outcomes for newborns in this situation. To successfully address the identified risk factors, recommendations are provided for focused interventions and more study.

Keywords:  Proportion; Factors; Low; Fifth-Minute Apgar Score; Singleton Newborns

CITE AS: Kansiime Richard (2024). Proportion and Factors Associated with Low Fifth-Minute Apgar Score Among Singleton Newborn Babies at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 3(1):21-31.