Determinants of septic arthritis among neonates admitted to Adama comprehensive specialized hospital, Adama, Ethiopia, a case control study.

BACKGROUND

Neonatal septic arthritis is an infection of the joint space with formation of purulent effusion within the joint capsule. It is an uncommon but serious condition with potentially devastating long-term complications if not diagnosed and managed promptly. The determinants of neonatal septic arthritis are not well documented in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To identify determinants of septic arthritis among neonates admitted to Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Adama, Ethiopia, 2023.

METHODS

Facility based unmatched case control study was conducted. Medical records of neonates admitted between September 1, 2019 and August 30, 2023 were reviewed. A total sample of 156 (78 cases and 78 controls) were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through retrospective chart review. The data were entered into EPI-Info 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In this study, the odds of having septic arthritis among premature neonates was about 10 times higher (AOR, 10.34, 95%CI = 1.74-61.21) compared to their counterpart. Moreover, neonates with hospital-acquired infection had more than four times higher odds of the septic arthritis (AOR, 4.57, 95%CI = 1.54-13.58) compared to those who did not have the hospital acquired infection.

CONCLUSION

Prematurity and hospital-acquired infection were independently associated with increased odds of neonatal septic arthritis. Strengthening infection prevention practices and quality care for premature neonates is recommended.