Neonatal mortality and associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Globally, approximately 2.4 million neonatal mortalities occur each year, accounting for nearly half of all under-five mortalities. The neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for survival, in which newborns face the highest risk of death, and factors for neonatal mortality vary from place to place and time to time. This study aimed to assess neonatal mortality and its associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional chart review was carried out at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The systematic sampling method was used to include 313 neonates who were admitted to the intensive care unit from 1st August 2023 to 30 July 2024. Data were collected via a structured checklist, entered into epi data 3.1, and then analyzed via the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed with statistical significance declared at a p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (8.6%) neonates (95% CI: 5.8, 11.4) died. Mothers experienced hemorrhage (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: (1.11, 7.36), pregnancy induced hypertension (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: (1.23, 3.29), prolonged membrane rupture (AOR = 3.56; 95% CI: (1.19, 10.69), instrumental vaginal delivery (AOR = 5.74; 95% CI: (1.52, 12.78) and resuscitation (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: (1.16, 11.75)) were significantly associated with neonatal mortality.

CONCLUSION

The present study finding revealed a slightly lower neonatal mortality rates compared to the previous report findings in Ethiopia. However, neonatal mortality remains a critical public health concern, and thus, stakeholders need to develop interventions that all risk factors into consideration.