POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS AMONG NEONATES ADMITTED AT NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN THE TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Neonatal sepsis remains a global public health problem. The aim was to examine the risk factors of neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between the periods of February and May, 2018. Data was via standardized questionnaire and interview guide with 77 mothers and 8 key informants. Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis done clinically. Data obtained on socio-demographic data of mother and newborn, maternal, neonatal and health care factors. Data analysis done with computer software SPSS version 20.0. A correlation (significant levelof0.05)coefficienttoestablishassociationandmultivariatelogisticregressiondonetoassess the strength of association between variables. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The significant risk factors of neonatal sepsis were: male sex baby (AOR=5.02; 95% CI 1.69-3.51; P-value-0.005), baby ageless than 24hours (AOR=1.43; 95% CI 1.02-3.48; P value-0.000), birth position of first (AOR=4.76; 95% CI 3.26-5.71; P-value -0.002), maternal ageless than 20 years (AOR=3.47; 95% CI 2.39-5.28; P- value -0.000), number of children four (4) and above (AOR=3.82; 95% CI 1.49-3.77; P-value -0.000, family size five to eight (AOR=3.51; 95% CI 1.97-4.76; P-value-0.025), baby fed on any other feed (AOR=5.04; 95% CI 1.38-4.87;P-value-0.001)andgestationalweekofdeliverybetween25-36weeks(AOR=3.11;95% CI 1.05-4.59; P-value-0.012). Neonatal sepsis risk factors in the Tamale Teaching Hospital are; maternal and neonatal related factors. It is important; Obj.1. Mothers should report early to antenatal and post-natal care for prompt assessment and intervention by health workers while ensure good infant feeding practices. Obj.2. Mothers should be counseled to adopt and adhere to good newborn care practices. Obj.3. Health staff should adhere to infection prevention protocols and attend refresher trainings and put in to practice.