Clinical outcomes of early neonatal sepsis and associated factors in Debre- Tabor comprehensive specialized hospital in Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Globally, early neonatal sepsis is one of the foremost reasons for exaggerated death and illness of neonates. It is also one of the most common causes of neonatal death in Ethiopia. Despite few studies related to clinical outcomes of early neonatal sepsis, there are inconsistencies among findings. Identification of risk factors and early initiation of therapy can significantly reduce the burden of neonatal illness and death. Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of early neonatal sepsis and associated risk factors among neonates visited Debre-Tabor comprehensive specialized hospital in Amhara region in Ethiopia, 2024. Method:Retrospective-cross-sectional study was employed. The data was collected from the NICU department registration book of Debre-Tabor comprehensive specialized hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was employed among 396 study participants using a well-organized check list. The data entry and analysis were conducted by using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics was computed. A binary logistic regression model was used. Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association between explanatory variables and the outcome variables. Finally, a p-value of < 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant risk factor for early neonatal sepsis at a 95% confidence interval. Result: from 396 study participants 276(69.7% (95% CI=64.4%-74.2%) of neonate had good clinical outcome of early neonatal sepsis. In multivariable analysis absence of birth injury (AOR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.13, 3.54), gestational age greater than 42 weeks (AOR=3.27, 95%CI: 1.75, 6.09), absence of respiratory distress (AOR=5.56, 95%CI: 3.39, 9.19), and institutional delivery (AOR=3.16, 95%CI: 11.73, 5.79) were significantly associated with clinical outcomes of early neonatal sepsis. Conclusion and recommendation: In this finding a good clinical outcome of early neonatal sepsis has been reported. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of these factors and their implications for neonatal care.