Distribution of Fifth-Minute APGAR Scores According to Birth Weight and Gestational Age Among Newborns: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
The fifth-minute APGAR score is a widely used indicator of neonatal adaptation after birth. Birth weight and gestational age influence neonatal physiological maturity and may affect the transition to extrauterine life. Evidence describing the distribution of APGAR scores across these characteristics in primary healthcare settings remains limited. This study aimed to describe the distribution of fifth-minute APGAR scores according to birth weight and gestational age among newborns at Puskesmas Kerek, Tuban Regency. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from medical records. Fifty newborns were included through total sampling. Birth weight, gestational age, and fifth-minute APGAR scores were classified according to standard clinical criteria and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Among the newborns, 70.0% had normal birth weight, 24.0% had low birth weight, and 6.0% had macrosomia. Most were born at term (74.0%), while 20.0% were preterm and 6.0% were post-term. Normal fifth-minute APGAR scores were observed in 76.0% of newborns, whereas 20.0% had moderate scores and 4.0% had low scores. Lower APGAR scores were more frequently observed among low birth weight and preterm newborns. Most newborns had normal birth weight, term gestational age, and normal fifth-minute APGAR scores, underscoring the importance of careful neonatal assessment for infants with low birth weight and preterm birth.
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