Trends in Neonatal APGAR Score: A Comparative Narrative Review of Nigerian Geopolitical Zones 8 4
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/sjhrs.vol1no1.1Keywords:
APGAR score, neonatal outcomes, Nigeria,, regional disparities, birth asphyxia, maternal healthAbstract
Background: The APGAR score remains a widely used and practical tool for assessing neonatal wellbeing immediately after birth, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, neonatal outcomes are a common public health challenge.
Objective: This narrative review examines trends in neonatal APGAR scores across Northern Nigeria,Southwest Nigeria, Southeast Nigeria, and South-South Nigeria.
Methods: A review of the literature drawing on published hospital-based studies, neonatal outcome reports, and related literature.
Results: Evidence suggests marked regional differences in APGAR score distribution, with lower scores more prevalent in Northern Nigeria and comparatively higher scores reported in the Southwest. The Southeast and South-South regions demonstrate intermediate trends influenced by antenatal care utilization, obstetric emergencies, and health system capacity.
Conclusion: Understanding regional patternss in neonatal APGAR score trend is essential for targeted policy interventions aimed at improving neonatal survival and quality of perinatal care in Nigeria.
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