Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors of Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Neonatal morbidity and mortality are emerging as prominent components of under-five mortality,
whereas many of the deaths are easily preventable. Different studies have identified different reasons, which are not
conclusive to all set up. Therefore, this study aimed to assess reasons for admission, treatment outcomes and identify
the associated factors among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in selected public hospitals in
Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 489 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from April to May 2018. Data were collected using a pre-tested
face-to-face interview questionnaire and clinical record review. The data were entered into Epi-Data Version-3.1 and
analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version-22. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions
were done to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes. Variables with P-value <0.05 at a 95% confidence
interval were considered statistically significant factors.
Results: Three hundred fifteen (64.4%) of the neonates were improved, while the rest were not. Maternal educational
level of college and above AOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.98), out-born delivery (AOR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.89), low
birth weight (AOR=0.43; 95% CI:0.22, 0.83), < 3 days of hospital stay (AOR=0.24; 95% CI:0.14, 0.41), fifth minute
Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration score < 6 (AOR=0.44;95% CI:0.25, 0.79) and no feeding given
per mouth (AOR=0.19; 95% CI:0.11, 0.33) were the factors significantly associated with neonatal treatment outcome.
Conclusion: Sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, and prematurity were the main reasons for admission. The study area health
offices, non-governmental organizations, and health care providers should implement intervention strategies by
targeting identified factors to improve neonatal outcomes.
Keywords: Eastern Ethiopia; Neonatal admission; Neonatal morbidity; NICU; Treatment outcome