Prevalence and determinants of neonatal sepsis among admitted neonates in Hiowt- Fana Specialized Referral Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia, 2019

Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection occurring in the first 28 days of life and is a leading cause of disease and death of neonates. It accounts for five million newborn deaths the objective of this study was to assess prevalence and determinants of neonatal sepsis among admitted neonates at in Hiowt- Fana Specialized Referral Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia, 2019.

Hospital-based cross-sectional study with a retrospective chart review method was conducted in Tertiary Hospital in Harar town. Data were collected from April 1 to May 30, 2019. The sample size was calculated by using single population proportion sample formula and the final sample size was 292. Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed through SPSS-20. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were applied to find the association between independent and dependent variables.

In general, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in this study was 52.7%. This study indicated that prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) of the mother (P-value=0.002, AOR=2.74 (95% CI: 1.32, 4.39)), gestational age of neonates (P-value=0.001, AOR=0.85(0.34-0.815)) and birth weight of the neonate (P-value=0.001, AOR=0.45(0.04-0.61)) were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis.

The associated risk factors for neonatal sepsis were identified as PROM of the mother, gestational age of neonates and birth weight of the neonate. Therefore, service utilization of mothers, early detection of risky situations and appropriate practice of newborn care should be strengthened by training of health workers, provision of health care services as per standards, and monitoring and evaluation of obstetrical/neonatal care.