ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Kateule E*, Seanadza C, Lwanda B and Siapiila P
Introduction: Neonatal mortality continues to be an urgent public health concern in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) accounts for 98% of under-five deaths among the regions. NMR is an essential outcome indicator for newborn care and reflects the quality of prenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal care, as well as adjustment to a new environment, nutrition, and infections. In Zambia, the progress in reducing NMR has been slow in the majority of public hospitals. We aimed to determine the risk factors associated with neonatal mortality at Roan Antelope General Hospital (RAGH) in Luanshya District. Methods: We reviewed medical records among neonates admitted to the RAGH Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) from January 2017 to December 2018. Data were collected using an electronic data extraction checklist from NCU registry. The main outcome was the occurrence of death within 28 days of birth. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with neonatal death and calculated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of 134 records reviewed, 53.7 % were female; majority (66.4 %) were spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Of all neonates, 21.2 % died whereas 69.7 % were discharged. The main reasons for admission were birth asphyxia (40.3%) and neonatal sepsis (38.1%). Having birth weight of ≤2.5 kg [adjusted odds ratio [(aOR) = 3.67 (95% CI: 1.99-6.82)], being a premature birth [aOR = 3.24 (95% CI: 1.80-5.82)], having neonatal jaundice [aOR = 3.09 (95% CI: 1.29-7.40)], being born at home [aOR = 2.63 (95% CI: 1.33-5.24)], and being male [(aOR) = 2.05 (95% CI: 1.02-4.10)] were associated with neonatal mortality. Conclusion: A significant percentage of neonatal deaths were reported between January 2017 and December 2019 at RAGH. Timely identification of high-risk mothers, effective referral system and advanced life support for preterm neonates may reduce neonatal mortality in the hospital.
Keywords: Factors; Neonatal mortality; Prematurity; Luanshya; Zambia
