Neonatal Sepsis and Associated Factor among Neonate Admitted in Nicu at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital Harar Town, Eastern, Ethiopia 2020

Background:Neonatal sepsis is a condition defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by signs and symptoms of infection in an infant 28 days of life or younger. Neonatal sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Socio-demographic, maternal, neonatal and medical factors were associated with risk of infection. The clinical signs and symptoms of neonatal Sepsis are nonspecific and the confirmation of diagnosis is challenging and time consuming. Therefore, the diagnostic approach should be depends up on consideration of risk factors. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at Hiwot Fana Specialize Hospital Harar, Ethiopia 2020. Methods: Retrospective cross sectional registered data based study was conducted from February 7- February 25/2020 G.C. A total of 292 neonates cards was selected systematically from neonates admitted to Hiwot Fana specialize hospital at NICU. Data was collected using data extraction tool and checked for completeness and consistency then entered in to SPSS windows version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate logistic and multivariate regression analysis was used to check existence of association of each independent variable with the outcome variable and Variables significant in bi-variate analysis (P< 0.25) was entered to a multivariate logistic regression model and statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. Odds ratios along with 95% Confidence interval were used to measure strength and to assess the presence of statistically significant association between independent variables and outcome variable. Result: The prevalence of Neonatal Sepsis was 52.7%. From these 92.2% and 7.8% 0f Neonates developed Early and Late Neonatal sepsis respectively. Among them 59.7% were males. The study found that, Rural residence, delivery place, Meconium stained amniotic fluid, ANC follow up, Gestational age, birth asphyxia and 5th minute APGAR score <7 were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 52.7%. Rural residence, Hospital delivery, Meconium-stained Amniotic Fluid, ANC follow up, Gestational Age <37 weeks, birth asphyxia and 5th minute APGAR score <7 were found to statistically significant with Neonatal sepsis.