Work

Predictors of preterm neonatal mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary medical institution in Ethiopia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Premature death is a serious health concern in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 9 May 2019 to 22 April 2021. A total of 723 preterm neonates were enrolled in this study. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to calculate the survival rate. The Cox proportional hazard ratio was used to evaluate the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. A 95% confidence level was used to check for significance. Results: Preterm neonatal mortality accounted for 33.3% of neonatal admissions. Early neonatal sepsis [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.79], a 5-min Apgar score of less than 7 (AHR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.55), perinatal asphyxia (AHR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.67, 3.02), and recent multiple pregnancies (AHR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.26) were predictors of preterm neonatal mortality. Conclusion: Early breastfeeding, prevention and early treatment of perinatal hypoxia and neonatal infections, identification, and monitoring of multiple pregnancies could help to reduce preterm neonatal mortality.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1414127

Authors: Tihun Feleke, Gudeta Kaweti

Institution: Hawassa University

Language: English

Topic: Infant Development and Preterm Care

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801