Evaluation of the Apgar score and its Related Factors in Neonates Born in Hospitals of Yazd

Newborns should be evaluated immediately after birth and the traditional way of assessing is to use the Apgar score. The aim of this study was to estimate the Apgar score and evaluate the first 24 hour- clinical outcome of babies born at Yazd hospitals. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, Apgar score was assessed for 462 newborns at the 4 centers of Afshar, Madar, Kargar and Bahman of Yazd. 262 out of 462 babies were born by vaginal delivery and the other 200 babies were delivered by cesarean section. The data was analyzed by using both parametric and non parametric tests. Apgar score of 7 and less was considered as abnormal. In this study, the type of delivery (cesarean section or vaginal delivery), method of anesthesia (epidural or general) and gender of newborn had no impact on Apgar score, but prematurity, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, inadequate prenatal care and the level of maternal education had influence on reduction of the Apgar score. Those babies who were in good condition and were kept beside their mothers had the highest Apgar score. Apgar score is a useful measure to assess the general condition of the newborns at birth and for the prediction of their morbidity, mortality and neurologic impairment.