Low fifth minute Apgar scores and its associated factors among newborns in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Low Apgar scores in the childbirth period increased risk globally and significantly contributes to both newborn morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is very essential to update information on the status of low fifth-minute Apgar scores and factors affecting. The majority studies conducted were retrospective and prone to bias. In addition, there is limited study in Ethiopia that shows the recent status of low fifth-minute Apgar scores and factors affecting. Therefore, this study intends to fill those gaps. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study conducted among 286 newborns in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia from February 6 to March 9, 2019. A study participants selected by using systematic random sampling method. Pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires and checklist used to collect the data. Data entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 15 for analysis. A crude and adjusted odds ration computed in the binary logistic regression model. In this study, P-value, < 0.05 considered to declare factors as statistically significant. Results: In this study, 17.8% (95%CI: 13.8%, 22.7%) of neonates had low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Condition of labor (induced/augmented) (AOR=3.33, 95%CI: 1.24, 8.90), meconium-stained liquor (AOR=3.37, 95%CI: 1.17, 9.74), and birth weight (AOR=3.48, 95%CI: 1.23, 9.86) were significantly associated with neonate’s low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Conclusions: This study indicated that a significant number of newborns resulted in low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Strengthen the provision of health information during antenatal care; avoid delay in screening high-risk mothers during pregnancy and delivery, and give immediate interventions should recommended. Keywords: Apgar scores, Newborns, Arba Minch