Cause of neonatal deaths in Northern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

Newborn community health advancements among Ethiopian Orthodox Christian women in North Gondar, Ethiopia: community-based randomised trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Despite significant progress over past decades, neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high in Ethiopia. Simple interventions have been shown to improve the health of children and reduce mortality. These include promotion of exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months of life, immunisation and utilisation of available newborn healthcare services, which are proven to improve newborn survival. This study aims to determine the impact of a behaviour change intervention that partners Orthodox priests with volunteer community health workers, known in Ethiopia as the Health Development Army and trains them to conduct newborn health outreach to improve care seeking, uptake of key interventions and identification of sick infants.

METHODS

The study designed is a community-randomised trial conducted in the Central Gondar area. The behaviour change intervention pairs trained Orthodox priests with members of the Health Development Army to conduct community health outreach by identifying near-term pregnant women in their communities and educating them on the topics of exclusive breast feeding, immunisation, nutrition and uptake of available child healthcare services. The evaluation of the intervention will enrol up to 150 newborn-mother pairs from communities receiving the behaviour change intervention and another 150 pairs enrolled from control communities. The quantitative analysis will be done by comparing data between the intervention and control groups related to breast feeding, anthropometry, immunisation status and uptake of child health services. The primary outcomes are exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months, mid-upper arm circumference, completion of vaccinations and infant hospitalisation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Washington (STUDY00006942) and the University of Gondar (No.V/P/RCS/05/2523/2019) Institutional Review Boards. Oral consent was obtained for the formative study, whereas written consent (or witnessed thumbprint) will be obtained from all enrolled mothers. Results will be communicated to community members, relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05111899.

Time, cause of early neonatal death, and its predictors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units at Bahir Dar City public hospitals, northwest Ethiopia: a prospective follow-up study

Background

Globally, 75% of neonatal deaths occur during the first weeks of life and more than 43% of deaths are covered by sub-Saharan Africa. Health-related policymakers and decision-makers need to use evidence-based treatments to reduce the time to early neonatal death and associated predictors. However, there are limited studies on median survival time, cause, incidence, and predictors in the study area as well as the country. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess time, the cause of early neonatal death, and its predictors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units at Bahir Dar City public hospitals in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based prospective follow-up study design was conducted among 387 early neonates selected by systematic sampling between 22 February and 22 April 2023. Statistical software, Epi Data version 4.6 and Stata version 14, was used for entry and analysis, respectively. Proportional hazard assumption and model fitness were checked by the Schoenfeld residual test and the Cox-Snell residual test, respectively. Descriptive statistics, the Kaplan-Meier curve, and the life table were used to describe variables. The Cox regression analysis model was fitted to identify the predictors of early neonatal death.

Result

During the follow-up time, 59 (15.25%) early neonates died, with an incidence of 31.79 per 1,000 early neonate days [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.024-0.041]. The leading causes of early neonatal death were prematurity complications, asphyxia, sepsis, meconium aspiration syndrome, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The mean survival time was 2.72 days. Being born from a multigravida mother [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 4.34; 95% CI: 1.63-11.55], a grand multigravida mother (AHR 3.50; 95% CI: 1.12-10.95), respiratory distress syndrome (AHR 2.60; 95% CI: 1.03-6.58), birth asphyxia (AHR 7.51; 95% CI: 2.30-24.51), a small gestational age (AHR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.08-4.92), and being unable to exclusively breastfeed (AHR 3.46; 95% CI: 1.52-7.88) were significantly associated predictors for time to early neonatal death.

Conclusion and recommendations

The incidence of early neonatal death was high, and the mean survival time was 2.72 days. Gravidity, respiratory distress syndrome, birth asphyxia, and being unable to exclusively breastfeed were identified as predictors of early neonatal death. Therefore, future research will consist of long-term prospective follow-up studies at a multicenter, nationwide level.

Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Although global mortality rates in children under 5 years have decreased substantially in the last 30 years, there remain around 2.6 million stillbirths and 2.9 million neonatal deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and South Asia. To reduce perinatal deaths in East Africa, knowledge of the burden, but also the risk factors and causes of perinatal deaths are crucial. To the best of our knowledge, reviews have previously focused on the burden of perinatal deaths; here we aim to synthesize evidence on the burden, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. The study population includes all fetuses and newborns from ≥22 weeks of gestation (birth weight ≥500gm) to 7 days after birth, with reported causes or/and determinants as exposure, and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and/or early neonatal deaths) as an outcome. We will include studies from 2010 to 2022, and to facilitate the inclusion of up-to-date data, we will request recent data from ongoing surveillance in the region. To assess the quality of included studies, we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for observational and trial studies. We will analyze the data using STATA version 17 statistical software and assess heterogeneity and publication bias by Higgins' I 2 and funnel plot, respectively.

Conclusions

This systematic review will search for published studies, and seek unpublished data, on the burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in East Africa. Findings will be reported, and gaps in the evidence base identified, with recommendations, with the ultimate aim of reducing perinatal deaths.

Protocol registration

PROSPERO-CRD42021291719.

Neonatal mortality during the war in Tigray: a cross-sectional community-based study

BACKGROUND

Neonatal mortality is among the key national and international indicators of health services. The global Sustainable Development Goal target for neonatal mortality is fewer than 12 deaths per 1000 livebirths, by 2030. Neonatal mortality estimates in the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey found 25·7 deaths per 1000 livebirths. Subnational surveys specific to Tigray, Ethiopia, reported a neonatal mortality lifetime prevalence of 7·13 deaths. Another government report from the Tigray region estimated a neonatal mortality rate of ten deaths per 1000 livebirths in 2020. Despite the numerous interventions in Ethiopia's Tigray region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the war has disrupted most health services, but the effect on neonatal mortality is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the magnitude and causes of neonatal mortality during the war in Tigray.

METHODS

A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Tigray to evaluate neonatal mortality that occurred from Nov 4, 2020, to May 30, 2022. Among the 31 districts, 121 tabias were selected using computer-generated random sampling, and 189 087 households were visited. We adopted a validated WHO 2022 verbal autopsy tool, and data were collected using an interviewer-administrated Open Data Kit. In the absence of the mother, other respondents to the verbal autopsy interview were household members aged 18 years and older who provided care during the final illness that led to death.

FINDINGS

29 761 livebirths were recorded during the screening of 189 087 households. Verbal autopsy was administered for 1158 households with neonatal deaths. 317 neonates were stillborn, and 841 neonatal deaths were recorded with the WHO 2022 verbal autopsy tool from Nov 4, 2020, to May 30, 2022, in 31 districts. The neonatal mortality rate was 28·2 deaths per 1000 livebirths. 476 (57%) of the 841 neonatal deaths occurred at home and 296 (35%) in health facilities. A high rate of neonatal deaths was reported in rural districts (80% [673 of 841]) compared with urban districts (20% [168 of 841]), and 663 (79%) deaths occurred during the early neonatal period, in the first week of life (0-6 days). The leading causes of neonatal death were asphyxia (35% [291 of 834]), prematurity (30% [247 of 834]), and infection (12% [104 of 834]). Asphyxia (37% [246 of 663]) and infection (28% [50 of 178]) were the leading causes of death for early and late neonatal period deaths, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Neonatal mortality in Tigray is high due to preventable causes. An urgent response is needed to prevent the high number of neonatal deaths associated with the depleted health resources and services resulting from the war, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal on neonatal mortality.

FUNDING

UNICEF and United Nations Fund for Population Activities.

TRANSLATION

For the Tigrigna translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Time to death and its predictors among neonates admitted with sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia

Background

In impoverished nations like Ethiopia, neonatal sepsis contributes significantly to neonatal mortality. Despite variations in the specific timing of death and predictors of neonatal mortality associated with sepsis across different settings, there's limited documented information in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of northeastern Ethiopia. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine time to death and its predictors among neonates with sepsis admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in comprehensive specialized hospitals in northeastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study conducted at the institution level involved 306 neonates diagnosed with sepsis. Data collection utilized face-to-face interviews and chart reviews. Subsequently, the data were inputted into Epi-data version 4.6 and later analyzed using STATA version 17. The median time to death was determined, and both the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were applied. Furthermore, a Cox proportional hazard regression model was utilized to identify predictors of neonatal mortality associated with sepsis.

Result

The cumulative incidence of mortality among neonates admitted with sepsis was 34% (95% CI: 28.9%-39.5%). The neonatal mortality rate stood at 51 (95% CI: 42.1, 62) per 1,000 neonates admitted to the intensive care units with sepsis over a total of 1,854 person-days of observation. Additionally, the median time to death was 13 days (IQR = 5-23 days). Tachypnea [AHR 6.2 (95% CI: 1.5-9.7)], respiratory distress syndrome [AHR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.5)], lethargy [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.6)], preterm birth [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.7)], continuous positive airway pressure use [AHR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.4)], home delivery [AHR 2.63 (95% CI: 1.1-6.4)], Subgalea hemorrhage [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1-3.9)], and low platelet count [AHR 5.9 (95% CI: 2.3-8.6)] were found to be predictors of time to death in neonates with sepsis.

Conclusion

The study revealed an alarmingly high neonatal mortality rate among septic neonates, underscoring the urgency for intervention. Enhancing the quality of care in neonatal intensive care units, bolstering infection prevention during procedures such as continuous positive airway pressure, exercising caution with locally made accessories, and reinforcing a culture of institutional delivery are critical in curbing neonatal sepsis-related mortalities.

Knowledge and skills of newborn resuscitation among health care professionals in East Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Newborn resuscitation is a medical intervention to support the establishment of breathing and circulation in the immediate intrauterine life. It takes the lion's share in reducing neonatal mortality and impairments. Healthcare providers' knowledge and skills are the key determinants of the success of newborn resuscitation. Many primary studies have been conducted in various countries to examine the level of knowledge and skills of newborn resuscitation and associated factors among healthcare providers. However, these studies had great discrepancies and inconsistent results across East Africa. Hence, this review aimed to synthesize the pooled level of knowledge and skills of newborn resuscitation and associated factors among healthcare providers in East Africa.

METHOD

Studies were systematically searched from February 11, 2023, to March 10, 2023, using PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and grey literature. The effect size measurement of knowledge and skill of health care newborn resuscitation was estimated using the Random Effect Model. The data were extracted by Excel and analyzed using Stata 17 software. The Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies. The symmetry of the funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. A subgroup analysis was done on the study years, sample sizes, and geographical location. Percentages and odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were used to pool the effect measure.

RESULTS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a total of 1953 articles were retrieved from various databases and registers. Finally, 17 studies with 7655 participants were included. The overall levels of knowledge and skills of healthcare providers on newborn resuscitation were 58.74% (95% CI: 44.34%, 73.14%) and 46.20% (95% CI: 25.16%, 67.24%), respectively. Newborn resuscitation training (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 2.82, 5.56) and the availability of newborn resuscitation guidelines (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.90, 3.86) were factors significantly associated with knowledge of health care professionals on newborn resuscitation. Work experience (OR = 5.92, 95% CI, 2.10, 16.70), newborn resuscitation training (OR = 2.83, 95% CI, 1.8, 4.45), knowledge (OR = 3.05, 95% CI, 1.78, 5.30), and the availability of newborn resuscitation equipment (OR = 4.92, 95% CI, 2.80, 8.62) were determinant factors of skills of health care professionals on newborn resuscitation.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge and skills of healthcare providers on newborn resuscitation in East Africa were not adequate. Newborn resuscitation training and the availability of resuscitation guidelines were determinant factors of knowledge, whereas work experience, knowledge, and the availability of newborn resuscitation equipment and training were associated with the skills of healthcare providers in newborn resuscitation. Newborn resuscitation training, resuscitation guidelines and equipment availability, and work experience are recommended to improve healthcare providers' knowledge and skills.

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy based on clinical signs and symptoms and associated factors among neonates, Southern Ethiopian public hospitals: a case-control study

Background

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a severe condition that results from reduced oxygen supply and blood flow to the brain, leading to brain injury and potential long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. This study aimed to identify the maternal and neonatal factors associated with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy among Neonates.

Methods

The authors conducted a case-control study in 15 public hospitals with 515 neonates and mothers (175 cases and 340 controls). The authors used a questionnaire and clinical records created and managed by Kobo software to collect data. The authors diagnosed hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) by clinical signs and symptoms. The authors used logistic regression to identify HIE factors.

Results

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) was associated with maternal education, ultrasound checkup, gestational age, delivery mode, and labour duration. Illiterate mothers [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 1.913, 95% CI: 1.177, 3.109], no ultrasound checkup (AOR= 1.859, 95% CI: 1.073, 3.221), preterm (AOR= 4.467, 95% CI: 1.993, 10.012) or post-term birth (AOR= 2.903, 95% CI: 1.325, 2.903), caesarean section (AOR= 7.569, 95% CI: 4.169, 13.741), and prolonged labour (AOR= 3.591, 95% CI: 2.067, 6.238) increased the incidence of HIE.

Conclusion

This study reveals the factors for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy among neonates in Ethiopia. The authors found that neonates born to illiterate women, those who experienced prolonged labour, those whose mothers did not have ultrasound checkups during pregnancy, those delivered by caesarean section, and those born preterm, or post-term were more likely to develop hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. These findings indicate that enhancing maternal education and healthcare services during pregnancy and delivery may positively reduce hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy among neonates.

Trends and causes of neonatal mortality from 2010 to 2017 at a Health and Demographic Surveillance site in Northern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Half of global under-five mortalities is neonatal. The highest rates are found in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. Ethiopia has made progress in reducing under-five mortality, but neonatal mortality remains high. Evidence collected continuously at the community level is crucial for understanding the trends and causes of neonatal mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the trends and causes of neonatal mortality at the Kilte-Awlelo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KAHDSS) site in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2017.

METHODS

A descriptive study was conducted using data from neonates born between 2010 and 2017 at the KAHDSS site. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Causes of death were examined, and neonatal mortality trends were described using simple linear regression.

RESULTS

The overall average neonatal mortality rate was 17/1000 live births (LBs). The rate increased from 12 per 1000 LBs in 2010 to 15 per 1000 LBs in 2017. The majority of neonatal deaths occurred during the first week of life, and more than one-half died at home. The leading causes were sepsis, pre-term birth (including respiratory distress), disease related to the perinatal period, birth asphyxia, and neonatal pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

The high neonatal mortality in Ethiopia requires urgent attention and action. Sepsis, preterm birth, perinatal diseases, asphyxia, and neonatal pneumonia are the leading causes of death in neonates. Facility- and community-based health services should target the leading causes of neonatal deaths.

Optimising scale-up for public health impact: a multimethod implementation science research protocol to improve infant health outcomes in Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Child mortality rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. We are conducting a cluster randomised control trial in the Gondar zone of the Amhara region to determine the impact of pairing Orthodox priests with community health workers, known locally as the Health Development Army (HDA), on newborns' nutritional status, early illness identification and treatment, and vaccination completeness.Ensuring intervention efficacy with scientific rigour is essential, but there are often delays in adopting evidence into policy and programmes. Here, we present a protocol for conducting parallel implementation research alongside an efficacy study to understand intervention implementability and scalability. This will help develop a scale-up strategy for effective elements of the intervention to ensure rapid implementation at scale.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a stakeholder analysis of key implementation stakeholders and readiness surveys to assess their readiness to scale up the intervention. We will conduct semistructured interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders, including HDA members, health workers, Orthodox priests, and caregivers, to determine the core intervention elements that need to be scaled, barriers and facilitators to scaling up the intervention in diverse sociocultural settings, as well as the human and technical requirements for national and regional implementation. Finally, to determine the financial resources necessary for sustaining and scaling the intervention, we will conduct activity-based costing to estimate implementation costs from the provider's perspective.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study received approval from the University of Gondar Institutional Review Board (approval no: VP/RTT/05/1030/2022) and the University of Washington Human Subjects Division (approval no: STUDY00015369). Participants will consent to participate. Results will be disseminated through workshops with stakeholders, local community meetings, presentations at local and international conferences, and journal publications. The study will provide evidence for factors to consider in developing a scale-up strategy to integrate the intervention into routine health system practices.

The Journey Toward Establishing Inpatient Care for Small and Sick Newborns in Ethiopia, India, Malawi, and Rwanda

BACKGROUND

Limited information is available about the approaches used and lessons learned from low- and middle-income countries that have implemented inpatient services for small and sick newborns. We developed descriptive case studies to compare the journeys to establish inpatient newborn care across Ethiopia, India, Malawi, and Rwanda.

METHODS

A total of 57 interviews with stakeholders in Ethiopia (n=12), India (n=12), Malawi (n=16), and Rwanda (n=17) informed the case studies. Our heuristic data analysis followed a deductive organizing framework approach. We informed our data analysis via targeted literature searches to uncover details related to key events. We used the NEST360 Theory of Change for facility-based care, which reflects the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Framework as a starting point and added, as necessary, in an edit processing format until data saturation was achieved.

FINDINGS

Results highlight the strategies and innovation used to establish small and sick newborn care by health system building block and by country. We conducted a gap analysis of implementation of WHO Standards for Improving Facility-Based Care. The journeys to establish inpatient newborn care across the 4 countries are similar in terms of trajectory yet unique in their implementation. Unifying themes include leadership and governance at national level to consolidate and coordinate action to improve newborn quality of care, investment to build staff skills on data collection and use, and institutionalization of regular neonatal data reviews to identify gaps and propose relevant strategies.

CONCLUSION

Efforts to establish and scale inpatient care for small and sick newborns in Ethiopia, India, Malawi, and Rwanda over the last decade have led to remarkable success. These country examples can inspire more nascent initiatives that other low- and middle-income countries may undertake. Documentation should give voice to lived country experience, not all of which is fully captured in existing, peer-reviewed published literature.

Neonatal Mortality at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia Over 5 years: Trends and Associated Factors

Background

Globally, neonatal mortality remains a serious catastrophic problem for newborns, particularly in a low-resource setting. There were no neonatal mortality trend studies in the study area.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the trends and risk factors of neonatal mortality at the neonatal intensive care unit of Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 870 admitted neonates from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 in the neonatal intensive care unit by a stratified simple random sampling technique. Data were entered into EpiData and then exported to STATA 14.0 for analysis. A linear regression statistical model was used for trend analysis and binary logistic regression was carried out to identify explanatory variables of neonatal mortality.

Results

Overall, neonatal mortality averagely increased by 2.1% per year throughout the 5 consecutive years. In this study, rural residency [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.26, 3.06)], birth asphyxia (AOR: 7.73, 95% CI: 4.31, 13.84), congenital deformity (AOR: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.17, 11.18), low birth weight (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.67), respiratory distress syndrome (AOR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.97, 5.59), Ambu-bag resuscitation (AOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.38), taking antibiotics (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.90), glucose (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.72), and oxygen (AOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.41) were associated with neonatal mortality.

Conclusions

This 5-year trend analysis revealed an increased trend of NMR, indicating more work is still needed to make progress toward meeting the SDG goal by 2030. Rural residency, birth asphyxia, congenital deformity, low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, Ambu-bag resuscitation, taking antibiotics, glucose, and oxygen were associated with neonatal mortality. Therefore, all stakeholders shall give due attention to reducing this timely-increasing trend of neonatal mortality.

The utilization of clinical decision support tools to identify neonatal hypothermia and its associated risk factors: A prospective observational study

Hypothermia (axillary temperature less than 36.5°) is a major source of neonatal morbidity and mortality, with a disproportionate burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the importance of thermoregulation on newborn outcomes, the global epidemiologic landscape of neonatal hypothermia is poorly characterized. Clinical decision support (CDS) software provides point-of-care recommendations to guide clinical management and may support data capture in settings with limited informatics infrastructure. Towards this end, we conducted a prospective observational study of the NoviGuide, a novel CDS platform for newborn care, at four health facilities in Uganda between September 2022 to May 2021. Data were extracted from clinical information (e.g. axillary temperature, birth weight, gestational age) entered into the NoviGuide by nurses and midwives on newborns within 24 hours of delivery. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate neonatal temperature profiles and the association between hypothermia and clinical features. Among 1,027 completed assessments, 30.5% of entries had neonatal hypothermia with significant variation across study sites. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that hypothermia was independently associated with pre-term birth (Adjusted Odd's Ratio [aOR] 2.62, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.38-4.98), sepsis/concern for sepsis (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 2.90-3.94), and hypoglycemia/concern for hypoglycemia (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.17-2.72). Altogether, neonatal hypothermia was commonly entered into the NoviGuide and associated clinical characteristics aligned with previous studies based on conventional data collection instruments. Our results should be contextualized within unique technical and operational features of CDS tools, including a bias towards acutely ill patients and limited quality control. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates that a CDS used voluntarily by clinicians has the potential to fill key data gaps and drive quality improvement towards reducing neonatal hypothermia in low resource settings.

Incidence of death and its predictors among neonates admitted with sepsis in referral hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, a prospective cohort study

Background

Each year, approximately 2.7 million neonates die in their first month of life worldwide, and the majority of these deaths occur in low-income countries. According to the Global Burden of Disease estimation, 1.3 million annual incident cases of neonatal sepsis were reported worldwide, resulting in 203,000 sepsis-attributable deaths. Little is known about the time to death of neonates and predictors after admission with a diagnosis of sepsis. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of death among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis in referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A multicenter prospective follow-up study was conducted from November 11 to December 7, 2021. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 412 neonates. Neonates admitted with sepsis were followed until they develop event for a maximum of 28 days of age. A face-to-face interview was conducted with the mother of the neonate using a pretested and structured questionnaire, and neonatal charts were reviewed to collect baseline factors. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A bivariable and multivariable exponential Cox regression model was fitted to identify predictors of death. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% CI was calculated, and statistical significance was declared at a P-value of 0.05 in the multivariable analysis.

Results

A total of 75 (18.47%) neonates died during the study period, with a 95% CI of 14.82-22.60. The incidence rate of death was 28 (95% CI, 22, 35) per 1,000 person-days of observation, with a total follow-up time of 2,677 person-days of observation. Birth weight (<2,500 g) (AHR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.43), prematurity (AHR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.15), duration of labor >24 h (AHR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.38, 11.01), breast feeding (AHR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.80), having respiratory distress syndrome (AHR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.02, 306), oxygen saturation less than 90% (AHR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.02, 306) were significant predictors of death among neonates admitted with sepsis.

Conclusion and recommendation

The incidence of neonatal mortality in this study was high. Early detection and appropriate management of patients' presentations like respiratory distress syndrome and low oxygen saturation are necessary to reduce neonatal sepsis-related mortality. Special attention should be given to low birth weight and premature neonates and mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their newborns after delivery.

Incidence, time to recovery and predictors among neonates admitted with respiratory distress to the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021

BACKGROUND

One of the major factors contributing to newborn morbidity and mortality across the globe is respiratory distress. In resource-constrained developing nations like Ethiopia, it is a significant issue. Depending on the quality of the care provided, the incidence and time to recovery may differ amongst medical facilities. However, Ethiopia still lacks appropriate data on the incidence and time to recovery from respiratory distress.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence, time to recovery, and predictors among neonates admitted with respiratory distress in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study design was conducted among 452 neonates with respiratory distress. Data were collected using a data extraction checklist from the medical registry. The extracted data were entered into EPI INFO version 7.2.1.0 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. The median time to recovery, the Kaplan Meier curve, and the log-rank test was computed. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox regression models were applied to analyze the data. p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of all respiratory distressed neonate,311 were recovered. The overall incidence rate of neonates admitted with from respiratory distress was 11.5 per 100-neonate day (95% CI: 10.30-12. 87) with 2,703-person day observation and the median time to recovery from respiratory distress was 7 days with (IQR = 3-13 days). Predictors of time to recovery from respiratory distress were very low birth weight (AHR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08-0.41), low birth weight (AHR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.81), very preterm (AHR = 0.42,95% CI:0.20-0.89), sepsis (AHR = 0.50 95% CI: 0.38-0.65), hypothermia (AHR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.81), and Apgar scores less than seven at first (AHR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15-0.79) and fifth minute (AHR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.20-0.97).

CONCLUSION

The incidence and time to recovery in this study were discreetly acceptable as compared to previous study. The aforementioned predictors could be used to identify neonates with respiratory distress who are at risk of developing a long-term illness and guide prompt referral to hospitals. This will also provide clinicians with prognostic information, as longer recovery times have economic and social implications in resource limited countries like Ethiopia.

Demographic, Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Dekemhare Hospital, Eritrea

BACKGROUND

Ninety-six percent of the world's 3 million neonatal deaths occur in developing countries where the majority of births occur outside health facility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical profile and outcome of neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Dekemhare Hospital of Eritrea.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective register-based review of all neonates admitted from January 2018 to December 2021 to Dekemhare Hospital. Overall, 509 neonates were enrolled in this study. Data were collected from neonatal register book from January 5 to February 5, 2022 by general practitioners using a predesigned data collection tool. Data entry was done using CSpro 7.3 and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Results were presented in frequencies, percent and odds ratio. Univariable and multivariable analysis was done to measure the association between the variables.

RESULTS

Three quarter (75.6%) of the neonates had normal birth weight and 80.0% were term. Majority (75.4%) of the neonates was delivered vaginally and 92.7% were delivered at health facility. Neonatal infection (33.0%), birth asphyxia (20%) and prematurity (14.3%) were the top three primary causes of neonatal admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Furthermore, 31% of neonatal deaths occurred during 24-72 hours of their life and the mortality rate was 16.3%. Multivariable analysis indicated that low birth weight (AOR: 7.28; 95%CI: 2.85-18.55) increased neonatal mortality. Whereas delivery at health facility (AOR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.06-0.47), hospital stay 4-7 days (AOR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02-0.23) and above 8 days (AOR: 0.06; 95%CI: 0.02-0.23) were showing protective effect on neonatal mortality.

CONCLUSION

Congenital abnormality, prematurity and birth asphyxia had higher case fatality rate. And, low birth weight, delivery at health facility and hospital stay were found to be predictors of neonatal mortality. Training of health professionals on neonatal resuscitation, further improvement on the diagnostic setup, treatment tools, infrastructure and raising community awareness to deliver at health facility are crucial to decrease the neonatal mortality in Eritrea.

Poor Adherence to the Integrated Community Case Management of Newborn and Child Illness Protocol in Rural Ethiopia

Ethiopia has adopted the Integrated Community Case Management of Newborn and Child Illness (iCMNCI) strategy to expand access to neonatal and child health services. This study assessed compliance with the iCMNCI case management protocol at the primary care settings. A descriptive cross-sectional assessment was conducted in eight districts of Benishangul-Gumuz Region from April to December 2019, and 1,217 sick children aged 2 to 59 months and 43 sick young infants aged 0 to 2 months who sought clinical consultation at the 236 health posts were selected purposively. Trained supervisors reviewed the medical records of two most recent cases from each illness category to quantify the extent to which health workers correctly assessed, classified, treated, and followed up cases per the iCMNCI guidelines. A total of 32,981 children sought clinical consultation of whom 31,830 (96.5%) were aged 2 to 59 months, and 1,151 (3.5%) were young infants aged 0 to 2 months. Of the 1,217 selected children, 426 (35%) had pneumonia, 287 (23.6%) malaria, 501 (41.2%) diarrhea, and 3 (0.2%) had malnutrition. Nearly two-thirds 306 (72%) of pneumonia cases were correctly classified as having had the disease and 297 (70%) were correctly treated for pneumonia; 213 (74%) were correctly classified as having had malaria and 210 (73%) were correctly treated for malaria; and 393 (78%) were correctly classified as having had diarrhea and 297 (59%) were correctly treated for diarrhea. Generally, the current practices of child illness assessment, classification, and treatment have deviated from iCMNCI guidelines. Future interventions should support frontline health workers to comply strictly with case management protocols through training, mentorship, and supervision.

Cause and risk factors of early neonatal death in Ethiopia

Background

Globally, three fourth of neonatal deaths occur during the early neonatal period, this makes it a critical time to reduce the burden of neonatal death. The survival status of a newborn is determined by the individual (neonatal and maternal), and facility-level factors. Several studies were conducted in Ethiopia to assess early neonatal death; however, most of the studies had limited participants and did not well address the two main determinant factors covered in this study. In response to this gap, this study attempted to examine factors related to early neonatal death based on perinatal death surveillance data in consideration of all the possible determinants of early neonatal death.

Methods

The national perinatal death surveillance data were used for this study. A total of 3814 reviewed perinatal deaths were included in the study. Bayesian multilevel parametric survival analysis was employed to identify factors affecting the survival of newborns during the early neonatal period. Adjusted time ratio (ATR) with 95% Bayesian credible intervals (CrI) was reported and log-likelihood was used for model comparison. Statistical significance was declared based on the non-inclusion of 1.0 in the 95% CrI.

Result

More than half (52.4%) of early neonatal deaths occurred within the first two days of birth. Per the final model, as gestational age increases by a week the risk of dying during the early neonatal period is reduced by 6% [ATR = 0.94,95%CrI:(0.93–0.96)]. There was an increased risk of death during the early neonatal period among neonates deceased due to birth injury as compared to neonates who died due to infection [ATR = 2.05,95%CrI:(1.30–3.32)]; however, perinates who died due to complication of an intrapartum event had a lower risk of death than perinates who died due to infection [ATR = 0.87,95%CrI:(0.83–0.90)]. As the score of delay one and delay three increases by one unit, the newborn’s likelihood of surviving during the early neonatal period is reduced by 4% [ATR = 1.04,95%CrI:(1.01–1.07)] and 21% [ATR = 1.21,95%CrI:(1.15–1.27)] respectively. Neonates born from mothers living in a rural area had a higher risk of dying during the early neonatal period than their counterparts living in an urban area [ATR = 3.53,95%CrI:(3.34–3.69)]. As compared to neonates treated in a primary health facility, being treated in secondary [ATR = 1.14,95%CrI:(1.02–1.27)] and tertiary level of care [ATR = 1.15,95%CrI:(1.04–1.25)] results in a higher risk of death during the early neonatal period.

Conclusion

The survival of a newborn during the early neonatal period is determined by both individual (gestational age, cause of death, and delay one) and facility (residence, type of health facility and delay three) level factors. Thus, to have a positive early neonatal outcome, a tailored intervention is needed for the three major causes of death (i.e Infection, birth injury, and complications of the intrapartum period). Furthermore, promoting maternal health, improving the health-seeking behaviour of mothers, strengthening facility readiness, and narrowing down inequalities in service provision are recommended to improve the newborn’s outcomes during the early neonatal period.

Determinants of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Dessie comprehensive and specialized hospital, Northeast Ethiopia; An unmatched case-control study

Background

According to the World health organization, neonatal mortality is defined as the death of babies within the first 28 days of their lives. The newborn period is the most vulnerable period for a child's survival, with the bulk of neonatal deaths occurring on the first day and week. According to a recent study, about a third of all newborn deaths occur within the first day of life, and nearly three-quarters occur within the first week. This study aimed to assess the determinants of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Dessie comprehensive and specialized hospital, northeast Ethiopia.

Methodology

Health institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among neonates admitted to Dessie comprehensive and specialized hospital, Ethiopia from February 01 up to March 30, 2020. After keeping cases and controls in separate frames, study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling procedure until the sample size was met. Epi data version 7.0 and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. P ≤ 0.05 was used as a cut point of statistical significance in multivariable binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 698 (233 cases and 465 controls) participated in the study. Pregnancy induced hypertension (AOR = 3.02; 95% CI; 1.47-6.17), public hospital delivery (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI; 1.84-6.42), prematurity (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI; 1.43-2.96), being referred (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI; 3.01-7.39), and hypothermia (AOR = 2.44; 95% CI; 1.56-3.82) were determinant factors of neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

Pregnancy-induced hypertension, public hospital delivery, prematurity, referral, and hypothermia were found to be the determinant factors of neonatal mortality. It would be important to give due attention to neonates delivered from mothers with a history of hypertensive disorder. Besides better to give due attention to neonates delivered in public health institutions, prematurely delivered, referred, and hypothermic neonates. Lastly, further research should be conducted to investigate the additional determinants of neonatal mortality.

Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Although global mortality rates in children under 5 years have decreased substantially in the last 30 years, there remain around 2.6 million stillbirths and 2.9 million neonatal deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and South Asia. To reduce perinatal deaths in East Africa, knowledge of the burden, but also the risk factors and causes of perinatal deaths are crucial. To the best of our knowledge, reviews have previously focused on the burden of perinatal deaths; here we aim to synthesize evidence on the burden, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa. Methods: We will conduct a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. We will include studies from 2010 to 2022, and to facilitate the inclusion of up-to-date data, we will request recent data from ongoing surveillance in the region, such as the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network and Health and Demographic Surveillance sites (HDSS sites). To assess the quality of included studies we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for observational and trial studies. We will analyze the data using STATA version 17 statistical software and assess heterogeneity and publication bias by Higgins’ I2 and funnel plot, respectively. Conclusions: This systematic review protocol will search for published studies, and seek unpublished data, on the burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in East Africa. Findings will be reported and gaps in the evidence base identified, with recommendations, with the ultimate aim of reducing perinatal deaths.

Spatial distribution and determinants of newbornsnot receiving postnatal check-up withintwodays after birth in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis of EDHS 2016

Background

Accessibility and utilization of postnatal newborn check-ups within 2 days after delivery are critical for a child’s survival, growth, and development. However, the service delivery is not yet improved and fluctuates across the geographical locations in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and determinants of newborns not received postnatal check-ups within 2 days after birth in Ethiopia.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 was done among live births within 2 years preceding the survey. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the factors associated with the outcome variable. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% (Confidence Interval) was calculated and used as a measure of associations and variables with a p-value < 0.05, were declared as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 4036 live newborns in Ethiopia were included in the analysis, of whom half (51.21%) were females. The mean age of the mothers was 33+ SD 1.3, and more than 60 % (61.56%) of the mothers were not educated. The national prevalence of newborns not receiving postnatal check-ups within 2 days after birth was 84.29 (95% CI: 83.10–85.41) with significant spatial variations across the study area. Mothers who had no ANC visits were 58% higher than (AOR = 0.42(0.27–0.66) mothers who had > 4 ANC visits. Mothers who gave birth at home and others were 80% (AOR = 0.02(0.01–0.29) and 25% (AOR = 0.76(0.59–0.99), higher than mothers delivered at hospital. Rural mothers were 1.90 times higher (AOR = 1.90(1.29–2.81) than urban mothers, and mothers live in administrative regions of Afar 66% (AOR = 0.34(0.16–0.69), Oromia 47% (AOR = 0.53(0.30–0.91), Somali 60% (AOR = 0.40 (0.22–0.74),Benishangul 50% (AOR = 0.50 (0.27–0.92), SNNPR 67% (AOR = 0.33(0.19–0.57), Gambela 70% (AOR = 0.30 (0.16–0.56), Harari 56% (AOR = 0.44 (0.25–0.78), and Dire Dawa70% (AOR = 0.30 (0.17–0.54) were higher than Addis Abeba for not receiving postnatal checkup of new born within the first 2 days, respectively.

Conclusions

Low postnatal check-up utilization remains a big challenge in Ethiopia, with significant spatial variations across regional and local levels. Spatial clustering of not receiving postanal check-ups within 2 days was observed in Afar, Oromia, Gambela, Benishangul, SNNPR, Harari, and Dire Dawa regions. Residence, ANC visits, place of delivery, and administrative regions were significantly associated with not receiving postnatal check-ups. Geographically targeted interventions to improve ANC follow-up and institutional delivery should be strengthened.

Chlorhexidine cord care after a national scale-up as a newborn survival strategy: A survey in four regions of Ethiopia

Introduction

Chlorhexidine cord care is an effective intervention to reduce neonatal infection and death in resource constrained settings. The Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia adopted chlorhexidine cord care in 2015, with national scale-up in 2017. However, there is lack of evidence on the provision of this important intervention in Ethiopia. In this paper, we report on the coverage and determinants of chlorhexidine cord care for newborns in Ethiopia.

Methods

A standardized Nutrition International Monitoring System (NIMS) survey was conducted from January 01 to Feb 13, 2020 in four regions of Ethiopia (Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region [SNNPR]) on sample of 1020 women 0–11 months postpartum selected through a multistage cluster sampling approach. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires in the local languages through home-to-home visit. Accounting for the sampling design of the study, we analyzed the data using complex data analysis approach. Complex sample multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of chlorhexidine cord care practice.

Results

Overall, chlorhexidine was reportedly applied to the umbilical cord at some point postpartum among 46.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.1%– 51.2%) of all newborns. Chlorhexidine cord care started within 24 hours after birth for 34.4% (95% CI: 29.5%– 39.6%) of newborns, though this varied widely across regions: from Oromia (24.4%) to Tigray (60.0%). Among the newborns who received chlorhexidine cord care, 48.3% received it for the recommended seven days or more. Further, neonates whose birth was assisted by skilled birth attendants had more than ten times higher odds of receiving chlorhexidine cord care, relative to those born without a skilled attendant (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 10.36, 95% CI: 3.73–28.75). Besides, neonates born to mothers with knowledge of the benefit of chlorhexidine cord care had significantly higher odds of receiving chlorhexidine cord care relative to newborns born to mothers who did not have knowledge of the benefit of chlorhexidine cord care (AOR: 39.03, 95% CI: 21.45–71.04).

Conclusion

A low proportion of newborns receive chlorhexidine cord care in Ethiopia. The practice of chlorhexidine cord care varies widely across regions and is limited mostly to births attended by skilled birth attendants. Efforts must continue to ensure women can reach skilled care at delivery, and to ensure adequate care for newborns who do not yet access skilled delivery.

Causes of infant deaths and patterns of associated factors in Eastern Ethiopia: Results of verbal autopsy (InterVA-4) study

Background

In a range of setting, detecting and generate empirical information on the cause of infant death and contributing risk factors at population level is basically utmost essential to take evidence-based measures in reducing infant morbidity and mortality. An electronic verbal autopsy is suitable tool and best alternative solution to determine individuals’ cause of death in a setting where the majority of deaths occur at home and civil registration systems do not exist. The present study was undertaken to find out cause of infant death, applying computer-based probabilistic model (InterVA-4) and analyze the patterns of association factors of mother’s and the deceased infant’s characteristics to the leading cause-specific infant mortality in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

The study employed a community-based prospective longitudinal survey, which was conducted with routinely enumeration of reported infant deaths for a period of two years (from September 2016 to August 2018) in Eastern part of Ethiopia. Using the two-stage cluster sampling technique, the study was undertaken in four randomly selected districts of West Hararghe zone and two districts of zone 3 in Oromia and Afar regional state, respectively. The study included a total of 362 infants who were deceased during the study period. Data was collected by trained enumerators by interviewing the mothers or guardians of the deceased infant using a 2014 standardize World Health Organization (WHO) Verbal Autopsy questionnaire. InterVA-4 model were used for processing and interpreting verbal autopsy data in order to arrive at the most likely causes of infant death. SPSS version 23 was also used for statistical analysis of frequency distribution and logistic regression for the association between covariates and outcomes.

Findings

Of the overall (362) deceased infants’ during the study period, 53.0% of deaths occurred during neonatal time while 47.0% died in the post-neonatal period. Acute respiratory infection including neonatal and post-neonatal pneumonia (38.4%), birth asphyxia (16.4%), diarrheal diseases (16.3%), prematurity (7.4%) and malaria (4.3%) were found to be the leading causes of infant mortality in the study area. The independent factors strongly associated with probable ARI, including pneumonia related mortality as compared to all-causes of death were infants with maternal age lower than 20 years old (p = 0.001, AOR: 4.82, 95% CI: 1.88, 12.3) and infant being died outside of heath facilities (P = 0.007, AOR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.33, 6.12). The post-neonatal period (P = 0.000, AOR: 15.5, 95% CI: 6.35, 37.8) and infant died in the wet season (P = 0.006, AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.44) had strong relationship with dying from diarrhea-related death than those infants died from all non-diarrhea. The death due to malaria robustly associated with infants whose mothers age between 20–35 years old (P = 0.024, AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.22, 16.2) and infant who was dwelled in the districts of Afar region (P = 0.013, AOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.35, 12.4).

Conclusion

The highest cause of infant mortality was associated with disease of respiratory system, particularly acute respiratory infection, including both neonates and post-neonatal pneumonia. Most of the infant deaths existed are as a result of diseases and conditions that are readily preventable or treatable cause, similar to those reported in worldwide, which have needs of further attention. The patterns of significant associated factors across cause-specific mortality against all-cause of death were dissimilar. Therefore, strengthen maternal and child health program with effective preventive interventions emphasizing on the most common cause of infant deaths and those factors contributing in raising mortality risk are required.

Ambient and indoor air pollution exposure and adverse birth outcomes in Adama, Ethiopia

Air pollution poses a threat to human health, with pregnant women and their developing fetuses being particularly vulnerable. A high dual burden of ambient and indoor air pollution exposure has been identified in Ethiopia, but studies investigating their effects on adverse birth outcomes are currently lacking. This study explores the association between ambient air pollution (NO_X and NO₂) and indoor air pollution (cooking fuel type) and fetal and neonatal death in Adama, Ethiopia. A prospective cohort of mothers and their babies was used, into which pregnant women were recruited at their first antenatal visit (n = 2085) from November 2015 to February 2018. Previously developed land-use regression models were utilized to assess ambient concentrations of NO_X and NO₂ at the residential address, whereas data on cooking fuel type was derived from questionnaires. Birth outcome data was obtained from self-reported questionnaire responses during the participant's postnatal visit or by phone if an in-person meeting was not possible. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess associations within the final study population (n = 1616) using both univariate and multivariate models; the latter of which adjusted for age, education, parity, and HIV status. Odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Within the cohort, 69 instances of fetal death (n = 16 miscarriages; n = 53 stillbirths) and 16 cases of neonatal death were identified. The findings suggest a tendency towards an association between ambient NO_X and NO₂ exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of fetal death overall as well as stillbirth, specifically. However, statistical significance was not observed. Results for indoor air pollution and neonatal death were inconclusive. As limited evidence on the effects of exposure to ambient air pollution on adverse birth outcomes exists in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia, additional studies with larger study populations should be conducted.

Maternal delays and unfavourable newborn outcomes among skilled deliveries in public hospitals of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a case-control study

OBJECT

We assessed maternal delays and unfavourable newborn outcomes among skilled deliveries in public hospitals of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia using 'the three maternal delays' framework.

DESIGN

A case-control study was conducted.

SETTING

Public hospitals in Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

Sample of 57 cases and 121 controls participated from 4 September 2019 to 30 October 2019. Consecutive dead newborns at discharge or admitted newborns for more 24 hours after delivery were selected as cases. Two consecutive controls were selected from none cases discharged within 24 hours of skilled delivery.

RESULTS

Total of 57 cases and 121 controls participated with 97.3% response rate. Forty-eight (84.2%), 46 (80.7%) and 51 (89.5%) of cases had first, second and third maternal delay, respectively. Eighty-six (71.1%), 18 (14.9%) and 69 (53.7%) of controls had first, second and third maternal delay, respectively. Cases with second maternal delay were 23.9 times more likely to have unfavourable newborn outcome when compared with controls. The first and third delays and wealth index were not significantly associated with newborn outcome in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

First, second and third maternal delays were higher in cases than controls. 'Delay in reaching health facility' was determinant for unfavourable newborn outcome in this study. However, 'delay in decision-making to seek care' and 'delay in receiving care' were not significantly associated with new born outcome. Government should work to improve labouring mother transportation.

Time to under-five mortality and its predictors in rural Ethiopia: Cox-gamma shared frailty model

Background

Under-five mortality (U5M) is one of the most important and sensitive indicators of the health status of the community. Despite there having been a substantial reduction in U5M since 1990, its rate is still high in Sub-Saharan African countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess time to under-five mortality and its predictors in rural Ethiopia.

Methods

This study utilized a secondary analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 9,807 weighted under-five children selected at different stages were included in the analysis. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox’s-gamma shared frailty models were used to estimate survival time and to identify predictors of under-five mortality, respectively. An adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) along with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to measure the effect size and direction of the association.

Results

The study indicated that 6.69% (95% CI: 6.13, 7.30) of children died before celebrating their fifth birthday in rural Ethiopia. Of all the deaths, the median time to death was 27 months. After controlling the effect of cluster and other confounding factors, female sex (AHR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.75), ever born greater than five children (AHR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.83), very large size at birth (AHR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03 1.71), very small size at birth (AHR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.82), twin pregnancy (AHR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.47, 4.88), not ever breastfeeding (AHR = 11.29, 95% CI: 9.03, 14.12), unimproved latrine (AHR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.91, 6.17), covered by health insurance (AHR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.70) were predictors of under-five mortality.

Conclusions

Still under-five mortality was high in rural Ethiopia as compared to the global under-five mortality rate. In the final model, sex of a child, the total number of children ever born, children’s size at birth, type of pregnancy, breastfeeding, type of toilet, and being covered by health insurance were significant predictors of under-five mortality. Further emphasis should be given to twin and not breastfeeding children, as well as households’ better encouraging membership of community health insurance and utilization of improved latrines.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Its Predictors Among Preterm Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Gurage Zone Public Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021

Background

Necrotizing Enter colitis (NEC) is the most common multifactorial and devastating gastrointestinal emergency which primarily affects premature infants. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and its associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Gurage Zone hospitals.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The simple Random Sampling Technique was applied to collect the data using a structured questionnaire. Data were cleaned, checked for inconsistencies, coded and entered via EPI data 3.1, and exported to Stata version 14 for further analysis. The data were processed by Stata 14 to estimate the prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Results

The prevalence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis among neonates was 28 (9.7%) 95% CI of 6. 8–13.7%. Birth weight (AOR: 7.33 95% CI (2.04: 26.38)), presence of maternal infection (AOR: 6.09, 95% CI (1.31:28.26)), length of hospital stay (AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.20, 8.96)), and initiating trophic feeding (AOR: 5.89, 95% CI (2.27: 15.33)) were associated with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis among preterm neonates was significant and special attention is needed for premature neonates with low birth weight and born from mothers with infection during pregnancy. Minimizing the length of hospital stay will be very useful to prevent the occurrence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Time to death and its predictors among neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Retrospective follow up study

BACKGROUNDS

Neonatal death is the major problem in developing world. Burden and predictors of neonatal mortality vary across countries and even among regions of a country, so understanding the problem concerning these factors is essential to overcome the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to determine time to death and its predictors of neonatal mortality among neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was employed among 434 neonates admitted in Tertiary hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A Kaplan Meier curve and a log-rank test were used to estimate the survival time and compare survival curves between variables. The cox proportional hazard model was also fitted to identify predictors.

RESULTS

A total of 434 neonates included in the study, 11.1% of which were died, and the incidence rate was 19.2 per 1000 live births. The time to death of neonates was 17 days. Independent predictors of neonatal mortality were incomplete maternal antenatal follow up[AHR: 3.7 (95% CI:1.86,7.60)], low(Appearance, Pulse, Grimily, Activity, and Respiration(APGAR)score[AHR:5.0 (95%CI:1.51-15.04)], perinatal asphyxia [AHR:5.2 (95%CI:1.92-14.30)], preterm 4.2 (95%CI: 1.32-8.83)]. Moreover, small for gestational age [AHR:4.8 (95%CI:2.33-9.72)], respiratory distress[AHR: 2.5 (95%CI: 1.24-5.09)], sepsis [AHR: 3.4 (95%CI: 1.71-4.01)], low birth weight[AHR: 7.3 (95%CI:2.69,1.91)], and tracheoesophageal fistula [AHR: 2.2 (95%CI: 1.13-4.32)].

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence rate was 19.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. Emphasis should be given to incomplete Antenatal care follow up, small for gestation, preterm, low birth weight, low 5^th min APGAR score, neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress, perinatal asphyxia, and tracheoesophageal fistula.

Survival and predictors of mortality among preterm neonates in Northern Ethiopia: A retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND

In the year 2015, more than one-third of neonatal deaths caused by prematurity was recorded worldwide. Despite different kinds of efforts taken at the global and local levels to reduce neonatal mortality, it remains high with low reduction rates, especially in low- and middle-income countries like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the survival status and predictors of mortality among preterm neonates.

METHODS

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted on randomly selected 561 preterm neonates. Data were extracted from patient records using a pretested checklist. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi-Data Version 4.4.2.1 and Stata version 14, respectively. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify the predictors of mortality. A hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULT

The proportion of preterm neonatal deaths was 32.1% (180) with an incidence of 36.6 (95% CI: 31.6-42.4) per 1,000 person days. The mean survival time was 18.7 (95% CI: 17.7-19.9) days. Significant predictors for time to death of preterm neonates were respiratory distress syndrome [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 2.04; 95% CI: 1.48-2.82], perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.32-3.47), kangaroo mother care (AHR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.08-0.24), and gestational age (AHR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80-0.90).

CONCLUSION

Preterm neonatal death is still a major public health concern. Respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal asphyxia, kangaroo mother care, and gestational age were independent significant predictors for time to death, as found in this study. Hence, priority must be given to neonates with the above illnesses and strengthen the management and care of preterm neonates.

Derivation and Validation of a Risk Score to Predict Mortality of Early Neonates at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The END in NICU Score

BACKGROUND

Early neonatal death is death of infants in the first week of life. And 34% to 92% of neonatal deaths happen within 7 days of postnatal period. Thus, the early neonatal period is the most critical time for an infant, requiring different strategies to prevent mortality. Among strategies, deriving and implementing early warning scores is crucial to predict early neonatal mortality earlier upon hospital admission.

OBJECTIVE

To derive and validate a risk score to predict mortality of early neonates at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital neonatal intensive care unit, Bahir Dar, 2021.

METHODS

The document review was conducted from February 24, to April 08, 2021, on all early neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. The total number of early neonates included in the derivation study was 1100. Data were collected by using checklists prepared on EpiCollect5 software. After exporting the data to R version 4.0.5 software, variables with (p < 0.25) from the simple binary regression were entered into a multiple logistic regression model, and significant variables (p < 0.05) were kept in the model. The discrimination and calibration were assessed. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping technique.

RESULTS

Admission weight, birth Apgar score, perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, mode of delivery, sepsis, and gestational age at birth remained in the final multiple logistic regression prediction model. The area under curve of receiver operating characteristic curve for early neonatal mortality score was 90.7%. The model retained excellent discrimination under internal validation. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, negative predictive value of the model was 89.4%, 82.5%, 55.5%, and 96.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The derived score has an excellent discriminative ability and good prediction performance. This is an important tool for predicting early neonatal mortality in neonatal intensive care units at admission.

The state of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia: An umbrella review of systematic review and meta-analysis reports, 2020

BACKGROUND

To this date, there are 4 systematic reviews and meta-analyses studies about the burden and associated factors of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia. However, findings of these studies are inconsistent which is difficult to make use of the findings for preventing birth asphyxia in the country. Therefore, umbrella review of these studies is required to pool the inconsistent findings into a single summary estimate that can be easily referred by the information users in Ethiopia.

METHODS

PubMed, Science direct, web of science, data bases specific to systematic reviews such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRM) studies on the magnitude and risk factors of perinatal asphyxia in Ethiopia. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. The estimates of the included SRM studies on the prevalence and predictors of perinatal asphyxia were pooled and summarized with random-effects meta-analysis models. From checking PROSPERO, this umbrella review wasn't registered.

RESULTS

We included four SRM studies with a total of 49,417 neonates. The summary estimate for prevalence of birth asphyxia was 22.52% (95% CI = 17.01%-28.02%; I2 = 0.00). From the umbrella review, the reported factors of statistical significance include: maternal illiteracy [AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.44-2.67], primiparity [AOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03-1.62], antepartum hemorrhage [AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.74-6.77], pregnancy induced hypertension [AOR = 4.35; 95% CI: 2.98-6.36], premature rupture of membrane [AOR = 12.27; 95% CI: 2.41, 62.38], prolonged labor [AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: 2.75, 3.60], meconium-stained amniotic fluid [AOR = 5.94; 95% CI: 4.86, 7.03], instrumental delivery [AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 2.46, 4.32], non-cephalic presentation [AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.53, 5.26], cord prolapse [AOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.64, 5.30], labor induction [AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 2.26-6.01], cesarean section delivery [AOR = 3.62; 95% CI: 3.36, 3.88], low birth weight [AOR = 6.06; 95% CI: 5.13, 6.98] and prematurity [AOR = 3.94; 95% CI: 3.67, 4.21] at 95% CI.

CONCLUSION

This umbrella review revealed high burden of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia. The study also indicated significant risk of birth asphyxia among mothers who were unable to read and write, primiparous mothers, those mothers having antepartum hemorrhage, pregnancy induced hypertension, premature rupture of membrane, prolonged labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, instrumental delivery, cesarean section delivery, non-cephalic presentation, cord prolapse and labor induction. Moreover, low birth weight and premature neonates were more vulnerable to birth asphyxia compared to their normal birth weight and term counterparts. Therefore, burden of birth asphyxia should be mitigated through special consideration of these risk mothers and neonates during antenatal care, labor and delivery. Mitigation of the problem demands the collaborative efforts of national, regional and local stakeholders of maternal and neonatal health.

Incidence and determinants of neonatal mortality in the first three days of delivery in northwestern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

Background

Addressing sustainable development goals to reduce neonatal mortality remains a global challenge, and it is a concern in Ethiopia. As a result, the goal of this study was to assess the incidence and determinants of neonatal mortality in the first 3 days among babies delivered in the referral hospitals of the Amhara National Regional State.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 810 neonates in the first 3 days of delivery between March 1 and August 30, 2018. The neonates were followed up from the time of admission to 72 h. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record reviews were conducted for data collection. Data were entered into Epi-data manager version 4.4 and analysed using STATA™ version 16.0. The neonate’s survival time was calculated using the Cox-Proportional hazards model.

Results

The overall incidence of neonatal mortality in this study was 151/1000 births. Neonatal mortality was significantly higher among neonates whose mothers came between 17 and 28 weeks of gestation for the first visit; among those whose mothers labour was not monitored with a partograph, mothers experienced postpartum haemorrhage and developed a fistula first 24 h, and experienced obstructed labour. However, 39% were less risky among neonates whose mothers were directly admitted and whose mothers had visited health facilities in less than 1-h, both.

Conclusions

This study revealed that approximately 1 in 7 neonates died within the first 3 days of life. The determinants were the timing of the first antenatal visit, quality of labour monitoring, maternal complications, and delay in seeking care. Thus, scaling up evidence-based interventions and harmonising efforts to improve antenatal care quality, promote institutional deliveries, provide optimal essential and emergency obstetric care, and ensure immediate postnatal care may improve neonatal survival.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04122-8.

Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors of Neonatal Sepsis at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal sepsis is the gravest problem in neonates, ending in significant morbidity and mortality. World wide 6.9 million neonates were spotted with potentially severe bacterial infections needing treatment and 2.6 million of them occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Sepsis is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and is perhaps answerable for about 30-50% of the total neonatal deaths per year in emerging countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the treatment outcome and associated factors of neonatal sepsis at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based prospective observational study was done at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH) from May to November 2019 among neonates admitted with sepsis. Data were entered to Epi-data 4.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Bivariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to identify the relationship between dependent and independent variables. All neonates ≤28 days who were admitted to MTUTH at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and neonates diagnosed with sepsis by the attending physician either clinically or laboratory-confirmed included in the study.

RESULTS

Of the 211 neonatal sepsis patients, 110 (52.1%) were females, 161 (76.3%) were admitted with late-onset sepsis, 16 (7.6%) were very low birth weight, and 156 (73.9%) were term. About 143 (67.8%) had a good outcome and 68 (32.2%) had a poor outcome. Very low birth weight [P = 0.006, AHR = 1.692, 95% CI: (1.245, 4.36)], age of neonate being less than 4 days at admission [P = 0.001, AHR = 9.67, 95% CI: (2.24, 41.70)], maternal infection [P = 0.032, AHR = 3.186, 95% CI: (1.32, 30.68)], and prolonged length of hospital stay [(P = 0.017, AHR = 12.29, 95% CI: (1.55, 96.31), were significantly associated to mortality.

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate of neonatal sepsis was found to be high. Age of neonate <4 days, birth weight of the neonate <1500 gm, and prolonged length of hospital stay were identified as independently associated factors of increased risk of mortality.

The effects of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy on adverse fetal outcomes among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The teratogenic effect of fetal alcohol exposure may lead to actual and potential problems, instantly after birth, at infancy; or even later, and mental impairment in life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy on adverse fetal outcomes at Gondar town public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based prospective cohort study was performed among 1778 pregnant women who were booked for antenatal care in selected public health facilities from 29 October 2019 to 7 May 2020 in Gondar town. We used a two-stage random sampling technique to recruit and include participants in the cohort. Data were collected using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) standardized and pre-tested questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine the association between reported prenatal alcohol exposure (non-hazardous and hazardous) and interested adverse birth outcomes using log-binomial regression modeling. The burden of outcomes was reported using the adjusted risk ratio and population-attributable risk (PAR).

RESULTS

A total of 1686 pregnant women were included in the analysis, which revealed that the incidences of low birth weight, preterm, and stillbirth were 12.63% (95% CI: 11.12, 14.31), 6.05% (95% CI: 5.00, 7.29) and 4.27% (95% CI: 3.4, 5.35), respectively. Non-hazardous and hazardous alcohol consumption during pregnancy was significantly associated with low birth weight (ARR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.98) and (ARR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.30), respectively. Hazardous alcohol consumption during pregnancy was also significantly associated with preterm birth (ARR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.52). The adjusted PAR of low birth weight related to non-hazardous and hazardous alcohol drinking during pregnancy was 11.72 and 8.44%, respectively. The adjusted PAR of hazardous alcohol consumption was 6.80% for preterm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that there is an increasing risk of adverse birth outcomes, particularly preterm delivery and low birth weight, with increasing levels of alcohol intake. This result showed that the prevention of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy has the potential to reduce low birth weight and preterm birth. Hence, screening women for alcohol use during antenatal care visits and providing advice with rigorous follow-up of women who used alcohol may save the fetus from the potential risks of adverse birth outcomes.

Implementation research on management of sick young infants with possible serious bacterial infection when referral is not possible in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: Challenges and solutions

Introduction

Of 2.5 million newborn deaths each year, serious neonatal infections are a leading cause of neonatal death for which inpatient treatment is recommended. However, manysick newborns in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia do not have access to inpatientcare. A World Health Organization (WHO) guideline recommends simplified antibiotic treatment atan outpatient level for young infants up to two months of age with possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI), when referral is not feasible.We implemented this guidelinein Ethiopia to increase coverage of treatment and to learn about potential facilitating factors and barriers for implementation.

Methods

We conducted implementation research in two districts (Tiro Afata and Gera) in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, to learn about the feasibility of implementing the WHO PSBI guideline within a programme setting using the existing health care structure. We conducted orientation meetings and policy dialogue with key stakeholders and trained health extension workers and health centre staff to identify and manage sick young infants with PSBI signs at a primary health care unit. We established a Technical Support Unit (TSU) to facilitate programme learning, built health workers’ capacity and provided support for quality control, monitoring and data collection.We sensitized the community to appropriate care-seeking and supported the health care system in implementation. The research team collected data using structured case recording forms.

Results

From September 2016 to August 2017, 6185 live births and 601 sick young infants 0–59 days of age with signs of PSBI were identified. Assuming that 25% of births were missed (total births 7731) and 10% of births had an episode of PSBI in the first two months of life, the coverage of appropriate treatment for PSBI was 77.7% (601/773). Of 601 infants with PSBI, fast breathing only (pneumonia) was recorded in 432 (71.9%) infants 7–59 days of age; signs of clinical severe infection (CSI) in 155 (25.8%) and critical illnessin 14 (2.3%). Of the 432 pneumonia cases who received oral amoxicillin treatment without referral, 419 (97.0%) were successfully treated without any deaths. Of 169 sick young infants with either CSI or critical illness, only 110 were referred to a hospital; 83 did not accept referral advice and received outpatient injectable gentamicin plus oral amoxicillin treatment either at a health post or health centre. Additionally, 59 infants who should have been referred, but were not received injectable gentamicin plus oral amoxicillin outpatient treatment. Of infants with CSI, 129 (82.2%) were successfully treated as outpatients, while two died (1.3%). Of 14 infants with critical illness, the caregivers of five accepted referral to a hospital, and nine were treated with simplified antibiotics on an outpatient basis. Two of 14 (14.3%) infants with critical illness died within 14 days of initial presentation.

Conclusion

In settings where referral to a hospital is not feasible, young infants with PSBI can be treated on an outpatient basis at either a health post or health centre, which can contribute to saving many lives. Scaling-up will require health system strengthening including community mobilization.

Registration

Trial is registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12617001373369.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A number of primary studies in Ethiopia address the prevalence of birth asphyxia and the factors associated with it. However, variations were seen among those studies. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence and explore the factors that contribute to birth asphyxia in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Different search engines were used to search online databases. The databases include PubMed, HINARI, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Relevant grey literature was obtained through online searches. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to see publication bias, and the I-squared was applied to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that were conducted in Ethiopia were also be included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies and was included in this systematic review. Data entry and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14.

RESULT

After reviewing 1,125 studies, 26 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia was 19.3%. In the Ethiopian context, the following risk factors were identified: Antepartum hemorrhage(OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.1), premature rupture of membrane(OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 12.4, 6.6), primiparas(OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.1), prolonged labor(OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 6.6), maternal anaemia(OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.59, 9.94), low birth weight(OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 4.7,6.7), meconium stained amniotic fluid(OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 4.1, 7.5), abnormal presentation(OR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.8, 8.3), preterm birth(OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.9, 5.8), residing in a rural area (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.5), caesarean delivery(OR = 4.4; 95% CI:3.1, 6.2), operative vaginal delivery(OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.7), preeclampsia(OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.4), tight nuchal cord OR: 3.43; 95% CI: 2.1, 5.6), chronic hypertension(OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.8), and unable to write and read (OR = 4.2;95%CI: 1.7, 10.6).

CONCLUSION

According to the findings of this study, birth asphyxia is an unresolved public health problem in the Ethiopia. Therefore, the concerned body needs to pay attention to the above risk factors in order to decrease the country's birth asphyxia.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020165283).

Causes of preterm and low birth weight neonatal mortality in a rural community in Kenya: evidence from verbal and social autopsy

Background

Under-five mortality in Kenya has declined over the past two decades. However, the reduction in the neonatal mortality rate has remained stagnant. In a country with weak civil registration and vital statistics systems, there is an evident gap in documentation of mortality and its causes among low birth weight (LBW) and preterm neonates. We aimed to establish causes of neonatal LBW and preterm mortality in Migori County, among participants of the PTBI-K (Preterm Birth Initiative-Kenya) study.

Methods

Verbal and social autopsy (VASA) interviews were conducted with caregivers of deceased LBW and preterm neonates delivered within selected 17 health facilities in Migori County, Kenya. The probable cause of death was assigned using the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

Results

Between January 2017 to December 2018, 3175 babies were born preterm or LBW, and

164 (5.1%) died in the first 28 days of life. VASA was conducted among 88 (53.7%) of the neonatal deaths. Almost half (38, 43.2%) of the deaths occurred within the first 24 h of life. Birth asphyxia (45.5%), neonatal sepsis (26.1%), respiratory distress syndrome (12.5%) and hypothermia (11.0%) were the leading causes of death. In the early neonatal period, majority (54.3%) of the neonates succumbed to asphyxia while in the late neonatal period majority (66.7%) succumbed to sepsis. Delay in seeking medical care was reported for 4 (5.8%) of the neonatal deaths.

Conclusion

Deaths among LBW and preterm neonates occur early in life due to preventable causes. This calls for enhanced implementation of existing facility-based intrapartum and immediate postpartum care interventions, targeting asphyxia, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome and hypothermia.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04012-z.

Neonatal Mortality and Its Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to Wollega University Referral Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, East Wollega, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a high neonatal mortality rate in spite of dearth of study. Therefore we aimed to assess magnitude and associated factors of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of Wollega University Referral Hospital. Accordingly, a facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on 289 by reviewing medical records of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. The collected data were entered in to Epi data version 3.1 and Stata version 14 used for analysis. Variables with P-value < 0.25 at with 95% confidence interval in binary logistic regression analysis were taken to the multiple logistic regression analysis. Finally, variables with Likewise, variable with P-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval in multiple logistic regression analysis were considered as statistically significant. Among 289 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit, 53 (18.34 %) were died. Majority 42(79.25%) of those deaths occurred at ≤ 7 days of birth. Preterm [AOR 4.15, 95% CI (1.67-10.33)], neonates faced birth asphyxia [AOR 3.26, 95% CI (1.33-7.98)], neonates who developed sepsis [AOR 2.29 95% CI (1.01-5.20)] and neonates encountered with jaundice [(AOR 11.08, 95% CI (1.03-119.59)] were more at risk to die. In general, the magnitude of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit was high. Gestational age (maturity of new born), birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis and neonatal jaundice were predictors of neonatal mortality. Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit with sepsis, jaundice, and birth asphyxia demand special attention to reduce neonatal mortality.

Differential and Determinants of Neonatal Mortality: A Comparative Study in Northern and Southern Regions of India

BACKGROUND

The Government of India initiated different programs to reduce neonatal mortality. However, the variability of neonatal deaths occurs among states of India.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the differential determinants associated with neonatal deaths in northern and southern regions of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bivariate analysis and Cox regression analysis have been performed to evaluate the predictors of neonatal mortality from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data.

RESULTS

For neonatal mortality, mother and child factors became more consistent in the southern region than northern regions of the country, while household factor was almost the same in both regions of India.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary intervention is also required to reduce public health problem as neonatal mortality. It should be focused on education of mother, birth interval, age at birth, antenatal care, poverty reduction programs, and proper heath facility to pregnant mothers.

Inequitable Utilization of Neonatal Health Services in Southwest Ethiopia: The Effects of Socioeconomic Disparities

Low levels of neonatal health services utilization and high neonatal deaths are often concentrated among socially and economically disadvantaged groups, especially in low-income countries. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess inequity in the use of neonatal health services in Southwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 districts located in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from 19 March to 28 April 2018. A total of 835 mothers were included in the study with systematic random sampling. Principal component analysis was conducted to develop wealth quintiles of the households. Equity in neonatal health services was measured using rate-ratio, concentration curve, concentration index, and analyzed by binary logistic regression. Neonates from richer families were 1.25 times more likely to use neonatal health services than the poorer households with a concentration index value of 0.07. Neonates from highly educated mothers have better used the services and the corresponding concentration index value of 0.03. Neonatal service utilization was 1.32 times higher in the highest wealth quintile in rural settings. Similarly, services delivered at health posts and hospitals were used 2.4 and 2 times more by the wealthy, whereas services given at health centers are more utilized by the poorest. Outputs of binary logistic regression analysis indicated that neonates from middle quintile wealth households were found to be better neonatal health service users [AOR_1.72, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.82]. Neonate born from a secondary school attended mother [AOR_3.56, 95% CI: 1.90, 6.69] were more likely to use neonatal health services. Neonatal health service utilization in Southwest Ethiopia is more common among neonates from richer households and more educated mothers. There is a big difference among the wealthy and poorer in a rural setting and among those who used health posts. Working on the social-determinants of health will facilitate eliminating inequity.

Determinant Factors of Neonatal Near Miss Among Neonates in Gurage Zone Hospitals, Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Introduction

It is highly economical and commendable to identify the determinants of neonatal near miss which will be utilized as proxy determinants of neonatal mortality rate. However, neither determinants of neonatal mortality rate nor a determinant of a neonatal near miss are adequately investigated specifically within the study area. Therefore, this study is aimed to identify the determinants of neonatal near-miss among neonates admitted in hospitals of the Gurage zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods and Materials

Unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify factors associated with neonatal near-miss among neonates admitted in Gurage zone hospitals. A pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Besides, data related to the clinical diagnosis of neonates and managements given were extracted from patient records. In this study, a total of 105 cases and 209 controls have participated. To recruit cases and controls consecutive sampling methods and simple random sampling techniques were used respectively. Data were entered using Epi Data software and exported to SPPS for analysis. To identify the determinate factors of the outcome variable binary and multivariable logistic regression were employed.

Results

The determinate factors of the outcome variable include a history of abortion with AOR 3.9 [95%C1 3.53-10.15], referred from other health care institution AOR 7.53[95% CI 3.99-14.22], severe maternal morbidity during pregnancy AOR 4.57[95% CI 1.77-11.79], cesarean section mode of delivery 4.45[95% CI 1.76-11.25], and good essential newborn care knowledge AOR 3.33[95% CI 1.54-7.19].

Conclusion

In this study, easily modifiable/preventable maternal and health service utilization-related factors are increasing the menace of a neonatal near-miss in the Gurage zone. It is the signal that shows the primary health care program needs to be further enhanced to bring more desirable health outcomes and/or effectiveness of health policies needs to be examined to introduce more impactful strategies.

The Magnitude of Neonatal Mortality and Its Predictors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Although neonatal death is a global burden, it is the highest in sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. Moreover, there is disparity in the prevalence and associated factors of studies. Therefore, this study was aimed at providing pooled national prevalence and predictors of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia.

Methods

The following databases were systematically explored to search for articles: Boolean operator, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Hinari, and Google Scholar. Selection, screening, reviewing, and data extraction were done by two reviewers independently using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of evidence. All studies conducted in Ethiopia and reporting the prevalence and predictors of neonatal mortality were included. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and imported into Stata version 14s for further analysis. Publication bias was checked using funnel plots and Egger's and Begg's tests. Heterogeneity was also checked by Higgins's method. A random effects meta-analysis model with 95% confidence interval was computed to estimate the pooled effect size (i.e., prevalence and odds ratio). Moreover, subgroup analysis based on region, sample size, and study design was done.

Results

After reviewing 88 studies, 12 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled national prevalence of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia was 16.3% (95% CI: 12.1, 20.6, I ² = 98.8%). The subgroup analysis indicated that the highest prevalence was observed in the Amhara region, 20.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 31.1), followed by Oromia, 18.8% (95% CI: 11.9, 49.4). Gestational age [AOR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.58)], neonatal sepsis [AOR: 1.23 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.4)], respiratory distress syndromes (RDS) [AOR: 1.18 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.49)], and place of residency [AOR: 1.93 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.73)] were the most important predictors.

Conclusions

Neonatal mortality in Ethiopia was significantly decreased. There was evidence that neonatal sepsis, gestational age, and place of residency were the significant predictors. RDS were also a main predictor of mortality even if not statistically significant. We strongly recommended that health care workers should give a priority for preterm neonates with diagnosis with sepsis and RDS.

Determinants of neonatal hypothermia among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit northwest, Ethiopia, case-control study

BACKGROUND

Neonatal mortality is a global public health problem disproportionally high in developing country including Ethiopia. Hypothermia plays a significant role in neonatal mortality. This study was conducted to identify determinants of neonatal hypothermia among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of public hospitals.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Institutional based unmatched case-control study was conducted in Bahir Dar town public hospitals among neonates admitted in the NICUs in 2019. A total of 387 participants were included in the study. Pretested, structured questionnaire, and data extraction checklist were used to collect results. Data analysis was done by using Stata version 14 .

RESULTS

Low birth weight (adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=3.01, 95%CI: 1.50-5.58), nighttime delivery (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI: 1.13-3.13), lack skin to skin contact (AOR = 2.43, 95%CI: 1.42-4.16), delayed initiation of breast feeding (AOR = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.30-3.88), not wearing cape (AOR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.07-3.26), and low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration (APGAR) score (AOR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.15-4.10) were determinant variables of the neonatal hypothermia.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin to skin contact, initiation of breast feeding, birth weight, time, low APGAR score, and not wearing cape were identified as independent determinates of neonatal hypothermia.

Rate, Risk Factors, and Causes of Neonatal Deaths in Jordan: Analysis of Data From Jordan Stillbirth and Neonatal Surveillance System (JSANDS)

Background: It has been estimated that 27.8 million neonates will die worldwide between 2018 and 2030 if no improvements in neonatal and maternal care take place. The aim of this study was to determine the rate, risk factors, and causes of neonatal mortality in Jordan. Methods: In August 2019, an electronic stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance system (JSANDS) was established in in three large cities through five hospitals. Data on all births, neonatal mortality and their causes, and other characteristics in the period between August 2019 and January 2020 were exported from the JSANDS and analyzed. Results: A total of 10,328 births [10,226 live births (LB) and 102 stillbirths] were registered in the study period, with a rate of 14.1 deaths per 1,000 LBs; 76% were early neonatal deaths and 24% were late deaths. The odds of deaths in the Ministry of Health hospitals were almost 21 times (OR = 20.8, 95% CI: 2.8, 153.1) higher than that in private hospitals. Low birthweight and pre-term babies were significantly more likely to die during the neonatal period compared to full-term babies. The odds of neonatal mortality were significantly higher among babies born to housewives compared to those who were born to employed women (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.0). Main causes of neonatal deaths that occurred pre-discharge were respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (43%) and low birthweight and pre-term (33%). The main maternal conditions that attributed to these deaths were complications of the placenta and cord, complications of pregnancy, and medical and surgical conditions. The main cause of neonatal deaths that occurred post-discharge were low birthweight and pre-term (42%). Conclusions: The rate of neonatal mortality have not decreased since 2012 and the majority of neonatal deaths occurred could have been prevented. Regular antenatal visits, in which any possible diseases or complications of pregnant women or fetal anomalies, need to be fully documented and monitored with appropriate and timely medical intervention to minimize such deaths.

Implementation of the Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response guidelines: Lessons from annual health system strengthening interventions in the Rwenzori Sub-Region, Western Uganda

Aim

To determine the health facility-based perinatal mortality rate, its causes and avoidable factors using the perinatal mortality surveillance and response guidelines.

Design

This was an action study conducted in one of the districts in Western Uganda from 1 January-31 December 2019.

Methods

A total of 20 perinatal death cases were recruited consecutively. Data were collected using a Ministry of Health Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (PDSR) questionnaire containing questions on pregnancy, delivery and immediate postnatal care. We used descriptive statistics to describe key data elements.

Results

We found a health facility-based perinatal mortality rate of 17.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. Birth asphyxia was the most common cause of perinatal deaths. Seven, three and ten mothers delayed seeking, reaching and receiving appropriate health care, respectively.

Survival and associated factors of mortality of preterm neonates admitted to Felege Hiwot specialized hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The complication of prematurity is the second commonest cause of under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Amhara region has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the country. There was no previous study and this study aimed to assess the survival of preterm neonates and its associated factors of preterm neonatal mortality admitted to Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, to take necessary action to maximize survival of preterm babies in developing countries.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 686 preterm neonates admitted in Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital from 1 August 2017 to 30 July 2018. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to show the survival rate of preterm neonates and the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify covariates of survival of preterm neonates. Those variables having a p-value less than 0.05 were statistically significant for the survival of preterm neonates.

RESULT

Out of 686 preterm neonates admitted from 1 August 2017 to 30 July 2018, 49.1% neonates were improved and discharged and 36.1% died. The survival rate was 0%, 19.4%, 46.7% and 75% for gestational age <28 weeks, 28-31 + 6 weeks, 32-33 + 6 weeks and 34-36 + 6 weeks, respectively. In the multivariate Cox regression model, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, asphyxia, hospital-acquired infection, birth weight, gestational age and place of delivery were significantly associated with time to death of preterm neonates at 95% confidence level (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate (36.1%) of preterm neonates is unacceptably high in Felege Hiwot hospital compared to other similar hospitals in Ethiopia. More than 50% of preterm neonatal deaths can be prevented with available resources. Neonatal units with adequate and committed manpower, using a strict aseptic technique, proper follow-up, early detection and timely management of complications, are recommended to improve the survival of preterm neonates.

Incidence of respiratory distress and its predictors among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Although respiratory distress is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality throughout the globe, it is a particularly serious concern for nations like Ethiopia that have significant resource limitations. Additionally, few studies have looked at neonatal respiratory distress and its predictors in developing countries, and thus we sought to investigate this issue in neonates who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted with 571 neonates from January 2013 to March 2018. Data were collected by reviewing patients' charts using a systematic sampling technique with a pretested checklist. The data was then entered using Epi-data 4.2 and analyzed with STATA 14. Median time, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation curves, and log-rank tests were then computed. Bivariable and multivariable Gompertz parametric hazard models were fitted to detect the determinants of respiratory distress. The hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval was subsequently calculated. Variables with reported p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The proportion of neonates with respiratory distress among those admitted to the Black Lion Specialized Hospital neonatal intensive care unit was 42.9% (95%CI: 39.3-46.1%) The incidence rate was 8.1/100 (95%CI: 7.3, 8.9). Significant predictors of respiratory distress in neonates included being male [Adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.4 (95%CI: 1.1, 3.1)], born via caesarean section [AHR: 1.9 (95%CI: 1.6, 2.3)], home delivery [AHR: 2.9 (95%CI: 1.5, 5,2)], maternal diabetes mellitus (AHR: 2.3 (95%CI: 1.4, 3.6)), preterm birth [AHR: 2.9 (95%CI: 1.6, 5.1)], and having an Apgar score of less than 7 [AHR: 3.1 (95%CI: 1.8, 5.0)].

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the proportion of respiratory distress (RD) was high. Preterm birth, delivery by caesarean section, Apgar score < 7, sepsis, maternal diabetes mellitus, and home delivery were all significant predictors of this condition. Based on our findings this would likely include encouraging more hospital births, better control of diabetes in pregnancy, improved neonatal resuscitation and addressing ways to decrease the need for frequent caesarean sections.

Magnitude of Preterm Birth and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study at Butajira Hospital, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth infants are at a greater risk of mortality and a variety of health and developmental problems; reliable data support that this rate is increasing in almost all countries. The purpose is to find the magnitude of preterm birth and its associated factors among newborns delivered at Butajira Hospital, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia.

METHODS

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 304 maternity cards using the systematic sampling method during May 1_21 in 2019. The data collection was performed using a structured case record form. The data were entered into EpiData software (version 3.1) and analyzed using SPSS software (version 21). Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to identify the associated factors at 95% CI.

RESULTS

Overall magnitude of preterm birth was observed to be 15.5%. The factors significantly associated with the preterm birth were preeclampsia (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.6-10.0), and premature rupture of fetal membranes (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4-12.9).

CONCLUSION

Preterm birth is still public concern in the study area. The concerned administrative body should implement health education programs and improve the quality of health care delivered to pregnant mothers to control these associated factors and, consequently, promote public health in the study area.

Inequalities and trends in Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in Ethiopia: Evidence from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys, 2000-2016

BACKGROUND

Substantial inequality in neonatal mortality rates (NMR) remains in low- and middle-income countries to the detriment of disadvantaged subpopulations. In Ethiopia, there is a dearth of evidence on the extent and trends of disparity in NMR. This study assessed the socioeconomic, residence and sex-based inequalities in NMR, as well as examined its change over a sixteen year period in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Using the World Health Organization's (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software, data from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) were analyzed between 2000 and 2016. NMR was disaggregated by four equity stratifiers: education, wealth, residence and sex. In addition, absolute and relative inequality measures, namely Difference, Population Attributable Risk (PAR), Ratio, Relative Concentration Index (RCI) and Slope Index of Inequality (SII) were calculated to understand inequalities from different perspectives. Corresponding 95% Uncertainty Intervals (UIs) were computed to measure statistical significance.

FINDINGS

Large educational inequalities in NMR were found in 2000, 2005, and 2011, while wealth-driven inequality occurred in 2011. Sex disparity was noted in all the surveys, and urban-rural differentials remained in all the surveys except in 2016. While socioeconomic and area-related inequalities decreased over time, sex related inequality did not change during the period of study.

CONCLUSIONS

NMR appeared to be concentrated among male newborns, neonates born to illiterate and poor women and those living in rural settings. However, the inequality narrowed over time. Interventions appropriate for different subpopulations need to be designed.