Risk Factors for Birth Asphyxia in Hospital-Delivered Newborns in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Asphyxia at birth remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for ∼23% of all neonatal deaths. Although the causes vary from country to country, early identification and treatment of risk factors can improve the situation. Objectives: To determine the risk factors of birth asphyxia in hospital-delivered neonates in Dodoma, Tanzania. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted from May to July 2017 at Dodoma Region Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire and a standard antenatal care index card. Cases were neonates diagnosed with asphyxia at birth (N = 100), while controls were neonates not diagnosed with asphyxia at birth (N = 300). A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the independent variables associated with birth asphyxia and reported as crude and adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 400 newborns and their birth mothers were involved in the study. The average age of the case mothers was 26.9 years (SD = 7.85) and that of the control mothers was 27.24 years (SD = 6.08). Place of residence, anemia, maternal age, prenatal visits attended, use of herbs during labor, previously complicated pregnancy, duration of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and mode of delivery were predictors of birth asphyxia. Conclusion: The study showed that most predictors of birth asphyxia can be prevented. The results suggest appropriate health education before conception, effective follow-up through prenatal care, early identification and treatment of high-risk pregnant women, and proper monitoring of labor and delivery.

Cognitive Impairment and the Associated Factors Among Older People in Rural Central Tanzania.

AIM: This study examined the profile of cognitive impairment and associated factors among older people in rural central Tanzania. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 462 community-dwelling older adults. We performed cognitive, psychosocial, and clinical assessments and face-to-face interviews with all older adults. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine the participant's cognitive performance and the associated factors. RESULTS: The mean cognitive score on the Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans cognitive test was 11.04 (SD=2.89). Per the proposed cut-off scores to define probable and possible dementia, 13.2% of the population had probable dementia and another 13.9% had possible dementia. Increase in age was associated with poor cognitive performance (ß=-0.076, 95% CI=-0.109 to -0.043, P<0.001); whereas male sex (ß=0.989, 95% CI=0.333 to 1.645, P=0.003), higher educational attainment (ß=2.575, 95% CI=0.557 to 4.594, P=0.013) and performance in instrumental activities of daily living (ß=0.552, 95% CI=0.376 to 0.729, P<0.001) were associated with higher cognitive performance. DISCUSSION: Older people in rural settings of central Tanzania have poor cognitive functions and are at high risk of further cognitive decline. Preventive and therapeutic programs for the affected older people are warranted to prevent further decline and maintain quality of life.