Predictors of Time to Death among Preterm Neonates in Southern Ethiopia: A Cohort Study

What is it about?

The study aimed to determine time to death and its predictors among preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in public hospitals in southern Ethiopia. Among 510 preterm neonates enrolled, 130 (25.5%) died at discharge or 28 days. The median survival time was 18 days. The hazard of death was higher for neonates born to mothers with no antenatal care, primipara mothers, and those with pregnancy complications. Additionally, neonates who were not resuscitated at birth and did not receive kangaroo mother care (KMC) had a higher risk of mortality. The overall incidence of neonatal death was higher than some studies in Ethiopia and other countries, which could be attributed to differences in care quality and socio-demographic factors. The study highlights the need to address intrapartum complications and improve care practices in NICUs to reduce neonatal mortality.

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Why is it important?

The study highlights the high incidence of neonatal mortality in preterm births in southern Ethiopia, emphasizing the need for better care and interventions to improve survival rates. Understanding the predictors of time to death in preterm neonates can help healthcare providers and policymakers allocate resources and develop targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced in these communities. The findings can contribute to a broader understanding of neonatal mortality in low-resource settings, informing better practices and policies to improve neonatal health outcomes globally. Key Takeaways: 1. Neonatal mortality in preterm births remains a significant issue in southern Ethiopia, with high death rates despite advanced care in NICU. 2. Factors such as antenatal care, maternal parity, and pregnancy complications are strong predictors of time to death in preterm neonates. 3. Immediate kangaroo mother care (KMC) and improved neonatal care can significantly reduce the risk of mortality among preterm neonates. 4. By addressing these key factors and improving neonatal care, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards reducing neonatal mortality rates and improving outcomes for preterm infants in resource-limited settings.