Risk Factors of Teenage Pregnancy on Birth Asphyxia at Phetchabun Hospital

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a high-risk condition for maternal and neonatal complications, particularly birth asphyxia, which remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with birth asphyxia among teenage mothers at Phetchabun Hospital. A retrospective case–control study was conducted using medical records of women aged 10–19 years who delivered between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2022. A total of 343 cases were included, comprising 69 neonates with birth asphyxia (Apgar score ≤7 at 1 minute) and 274 controls (Apgar score >7). Maternal age, parity, antenatal care attendance, and completion of at least five antenatal visits did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05). The case group had a higher proportion of preterm births (<37 weeks) than controls (24.6% vs. 12.0%; p=0.008). HIV infection and the use of Prostaglandin for labor induction were more frequent among cases (8.7% vs. 1.8%; p=0.011; 23.2% vs. 10.9%; p=0.008, respectively). Vacuum-assisted deliveries occurred more frequently in the case group (13.0% vs. 5.5%; p=0.036), whereas spontaneous vaginal deliveries were less frequent (37.7% vs. 56.6%; p=0.005). Multivariable analysis identified thalassemia (adjusted OR 9.22; 95% CI 1.11–76.89; p=0.040), HIV infection (adjusted OR 4.18; 95% CI 1.05–16.75; p=0.043), and the use of Prostaglandin (adjusted OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.09–5.48; p=0.030) as independent risk factors for birth asphyxia, all statistically significant. The findings suggested that teenage mothers with these risk factors should be screened early, monitored closely, and managed appropriately regarding labor induction to reduce neonatal complications and improve maternal and child health outcomes.