Neonatal Sepsis and Associated Factors Among Preterm Neonates Admitted in Durame General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: A Quantitative Study

BACKGROUND: Globally, the incidence of neonatal sepsis is estimated to be 2,824 per 100,000 live births, of which 17.6% of neonates have died. The incidence of sepsis was high among premature neonates (10,252 per 100,000 live births). Data on the association between vaginal examinations during labor and neonatal sepsis among preterm neonates in Ethiopia are sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among preterm babies in southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 291 preterm neonates from May 1 to August 30, 2021. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. We summarized participant characteristics using proportions and means. Factors associated with neonatal sepsis were analyzed using binary and multivariable logistic regression with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value of <.05 was a cutoff point to declare a statistically significant association. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 52.9% (95% CI: 46.2, 54.4) among preterm neonates. Performing vaginal examinations frequently during labor significantly increases the likelihood of developing neonatal sepsis (AOR: 7.45, 95% CI: 3.87, 6.79). In addition, premature rupture of the membranes (AOR: 5.79, 95% CI: 6.769, 10.65) and the 5-minute Apgar of less than 7 (AOR: 1.780, 95% CI: 2.507,6.094) were associated with neonatal sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was high among preterm babies. Performing vaginal examinations frequently in labor increases the risk of preterm babies developing neonatal sepsis. Limiting the frequency of vaginal examinations during labor and good aseptic technique while performing vaginal examinations are vital to reduce the risk of developing neonatal sepsis.