Abstract

Background: Preterm related complication is a critical neonatal problem in the world causes death of nearly one million neonates per each year. In Ethiopia, it is still the first leading causes of neonatal mortality accounts 37% from the total neonatal death. Identifying factors associated with preterm mortality by conducting a research is one of the mechanisms used to tackle such kinds of critical public health problems. Hence, this study aimed to assess the mortality and its associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of Addis Ababa public hospitals, 2021.

Methods: An institutional based prospective follow up study was conducted among 358 preterm neonates admitted to selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February 12 to May 12, 2021. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit each sample and data was collected prospectively using structured questioner. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed. Variables having P-value<0.05 in bivariable logistic regression were taken to multivariable logistic regression model to adjust for possible confounders. Variables with P-value<0.05 (CI: 95%) in multivariable logistic regression were declared as significant factors.

Results: At the end of the cohort the proportion of preterm mortality was (34.9%). Thrombocytopenia (AHR: 0.26, CI: 0.68, 0.95), dehydration (AHR: 6.00, CI: 2.1,20.0), hospital acquired infection (AHR: 5.6, CI: 1.6,20.8) and CPAP type (AHR: 4.0, CI:1.5,10.5) were statistically significant factors having P-value<0.05.

Conclusion: In this study, the proportion of preterm mortality was high. Thrombocytopenia, dehydration, hospital acquired infection and being kept on homemade CPAP type were the associated factors for preterm death.

Keywords: Proportion; Preterm; Neonates