Mode of Delivery and Immediate Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Sana’a Hospitals – Yemen

Abstract

Background: Adverse neonatal outcomes are a major public health concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Mode of delivery is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, and understanding this relationship can inform policies and interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health. Aim: To assess the mode of delivery and immediate adverse neonatal outcomes at selected hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study includes 362 deliveries from December 2022 to January 2023. A structured questionnaire was used and a convenient sampling method. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 22. Results: Vaginal delivery was common among mothers aged 18-24 years, while caesarean section was common among mothers aged 25-30 years. The majority of both delivery modes had a secondary school education. Vaginal delivery accounted for 63.80% of all deliveries, while cesarean section was 36.20%. The 5-minute Apgar scores revealed significant differences (p=0.026), with a higher percentage of normal scores for vaginal delivery and more low scores for cesarean section. The occurrence of neonatal health abnormalities did not significantly differ (p=0.065), and there was no significant difference in neonatal death (p=0.659). Conclusion: The adverse neonatal outcomes were higher in neonates delivered by cesarean section compared to those delivered vaginally. The most common adverse outcomes were respiratory distress syndrome, NICU admission, and neonatal resuscitation.