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Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Neonatal Mortality in Low-Birth-Weight Infants in Southern Ethiopia: A Multicenter Cohort Study With Multilevel
Jemberu Nigussie1, Fekadeselassie Belege Getaneh2, Dires Birhanu Mihretie1
1Dilla University, Ethiopia.
Insights
Low-birth-weight (LBW) infant mortality in Southern Ethiopia is high at 28.3%. Individual factors like low birth weight and institutional issues like inadequate staffing contribute significantly to LBW infant deaths.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Low-birth-weight (LBW) is a primary driver of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia.
- Understanding the factors contributing to LBW infant mortality is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Southern Ethiopia faces a significant burden of neonatal deaths among LBW infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify individual-level determinants of mortality in low-birth-weight neonates.
- To investigate institutional factors influencing mortality among low-birth-weight infants.
- To inform strategies for reducing neonatal mortality in Southern Ethiopia.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based prospective cohort study involved 768 low-birth-weight neonates.
- Data collection utilized structured questionnaires across 8 public hospitals in South Ethiopia.
- Multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to identify mortality predictors.
Main Results:
- The overall mortality rate for low-birth-weight infants was 28.3%.
- Individual predictors of mortality included lower birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and perinatal asphyxia.
- Institutional factors such as lack of isolated preterm rooms, insufficient physician staffing, and distant NICU locations increased mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- Low-birth-weight infant mortality in Southern Ethiopia is alarmingly high.
- Clinical comorbidities and modifiable institutional factors, particularly infrastructure and staffing, are critical determinants.
- There is an urgent need for improved neonatal care facilities and human resources.
Background:
Low-birth-weight (LBW) remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify individual and institutional determinants of mortality among LBW infants in Southern Ethiopia.
Methods:
A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 768 LBW neonates admitted to 8 public hospitals in South Ethiopia from September 2023 to February 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA 16. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of mortality.
Results:
Overall mortality was 28.3%. Key individual-level predictors included lower birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and perinatal asphyxia. Institutionally, absence of isolated preterm rooms, inadequate physician staffing and distant NICU location significantly increased mortality risk.
Conclusions:
LBW mortality in Southern Ethiopia is alarmingly high. Both clinical comorbidities and modifiable institutional factors, especially infrastructure and staffing, are critical determinants. Urgent improvements in neonatal care facilities and human resources are needed.
