Introduction: The inability to start and maintain breathing right after birth is known as birth asphyxia. About 23% of the 4 million neonatal deaths that occur each year are caused by it, making it the third most common cause of neonatal mortality in developing nations, behind infections and preterm births, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Every year, an estimated 900,000 babies pass away from asphyxia at birth. The inability to start breathing at birth is known as perinatal asphyxia, and it continues to be one of the leading causes of neonatal death globally.
Methodology: The researcher employed a quantitative research approach. Data was gathered through a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. A total of 163 nurses and midwives, meeting the inclusion criteria, were chosen through simple random sampling from the NICU and labour wards of selected hospitals in Sriganga Nagar (Rajasthan).
Results: The mean of concept of birth asphaxia is 5.25 with SD of 1.747; mean of causes of birth asphaxia is 5.42 with SD of 1.486 and the mean of management of birth asphaxia is 5.17 with SD of 1.404. Regarding to knowledge of midwives and nurses regarding birth asphaxia the mean is 15.83 and SD 2.665. The mean of practices was 12.08 and 2.297 standard deviation. The mean of attitude was 54.3 and 4.56 standard deviation. The study found a weak positive correlation (r=0.233) between knowledge and practice, while the correlation between knowledge and attitude was negative (r=-0.08).
Conclusion: The study showed that around 54% of nurses and midwives were knowledgeable about birth asphyxia management. Although over half demonstrated good practice, their attitude toward its management was negative. Proper management of birth asphyxia is crucial for reducing neonatal mortality. Among those who attempted to define birth asphyxia, 85% provided an accurate definition. Multiple pregnancies were commonly cited by nurses and midwives as a risk factor for birth asphyxia.