Abdulmalik Abdela
Abdulmalik Abdela
Abdulmalik Abdela
MAY 2022
Magnitude and Factors Associated with Early Neonatal Death among Early
Neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Hiwot Fana Specialized
University Hospital Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
MPH ResearchThesis
May 2022
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STATEMENT OF THE AUTHOR
By my signature below, I declare and affirm that this thesis is my own work. I have followed all
ethical and technical principles of scholarship in the preparation, data collection, data analysis,
and compilation of this thesis. Any scholarly matter that is included in the thesis has been given
recognition through citation.
This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for MPH degree at the
Haramaya University. Thethesisis deposited in the Haramaya University Library and is made
available to borrowers under the rules of the library. I solemnly declare that this Thesishas not
beensubmitted to any other institution anywhere for the award of academic degree, diploma, or
certificate.
Brief quotations from this may be made without special permission provided that, accurate and
complete acknowledgment of the source is made. Requests for permission for extended
quotations from or reproduction of this thesisin whole or in part may be granted by the head of
the school or department when in this or her judgments the proposed use of the material is in the
interest of scholarship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the
author of the thesis.
School/Department:Public Health
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
In 1994 GC, I was born in Shanan Dhugo, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Shanan Dhugo Public
School was where I finished my primary education. My secondary school was in Arjo Gudetu,
while my preparatory school was at Nekemte town. By the 2011/12 academic year, I had
completed my preparatory school and had enrolled at Wollega University. In June 2016, I
received my first-degree BSc in Midwifery from Wollega University. I worked as a Family
Health Coordinator in the East Hararghe Zone's Malka Belo Woreda Health Office till I enrolled
in a school of postgraduate study in Reproductive Health.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express my gratitude to Haramaya University's College of Health and Medical
Sciences' School of Graduate Studies for providing me with the opportunity and assistance I
needed to complete this research thesis.
Also, I'd like to thank my main advisor, Dr. Nega Assefa (PhD), and my co-advisor, Dr.
Desalegn Admassu (PhD), for their unwavering support and constructive criticism throughout
this thesis work. In addition, I'd like to express my gratitude to the director of Hiwot Fana
Specialized University Hospital, particularly the Health Records Information Officers, for their
support in gathering relevant information regarding the study participants and patient files during
data collection.Also, I'd like to express my gratitude to the librarians at Haramaya University's
College of Health and Medical Sciences for offering recorded materials as well as online access
to get vital resources for this research thesis.
Finally, I would want to offer my profound appreciation to everyone who has helped me with my
study, both directly and indirectly.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Objective two sample size calculation for magnitude and factors associated with early
neonatal death among babies born at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital in Harar,
Eastern Ethiopia. ........................................................................................................................... 15
Table 2:Sociodemographic characteristics of early neonates and mothers of early neonates
admitted to HFSUH, Harar Ethiopia, November 20 to December 20,2021 (n=432). .................. 20
Table 3:Maternal Obstetrics related characteristics of the mothers who gave birth to early
neonates admitted to HFSUH, Harar Ethiopia, 2021(n=432) ....................................................... 21
Table 4:Clinical characteristics of Early Neonates at admission at HFSUH,2021 ...................... 22
Table 5: Factors associated with early neonatal mortality at Hiwot Fana Specialized
University,2021 ............................................................................................................................. 25
Table 6: Baseline Maternal Socio Demographic characteristics of study participants ................ 43
Table 7: Obstetrics and Gynecologic factors ................................................................................ 43
Table 8: Maternal Medical Factors due to the current pregnancy and postpartum ...................... 44
Table 9: Neonatal Factors ............................................................................................................. 45
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: A Conceptual framework indicating factors associated with early neonatal death,2021.
....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2:Causes of admission at NICU of HFSUH, Harar Ethiopia,2021 .................................. 23
Figure 3: Causes of death in % at NICU of HFSUH, Harar Ethiopia,2021................................. 24
viii
ACRONOYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ANC Ante Natal Care
AOR Adjusted Odds Ratio
APGAR Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity Respiration
APH Antepartum Hemorrhage
CI Confidence Interval
COR Crude Odds Ratio
CS Cesarean Section
CSA Central Statics Agency
EDHS Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
EMDHS Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey
END Early Neonatal Death
ENMR Early Neonatal Mortality Rate
IHRERC Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee
GA Gestational Age
HFSUH Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital
HTN Hypertension
KMC Kangaroo Mother Care
NICU Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NMR Neonatal Mortality Rate
PMR Perinatal Mortality rate
PROM Premature Rupture of Membrane
SPSS Statistical Package of Social Sciences
UNICEF United Nations international child education and fund
WHO World Health Organization
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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Early neonatal death is one of the major classifications of neonatal death that
occurs during the first seven days of life, and deaths happening in this period are mainly due to
obstetric causes. Over 3 million early neonatal deaths are anticipated to come about annually.
The substantial causes of early neonatal death were birth asphyxia and respiratory distress
syndrome.In the different corner of Ethiopia many studies were conducted on the neonatal
mortality yet, only few of them were focused on early neonatal mortality indicating limitation of
the evidence on the early neonatal mortality in the country.
Objectives: To estimate magnitude and factors associated with early neonatal death among early
neonates admitted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fromSeptember 11, 2018 to September 10,
2021 in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: Institutional based cross- sectional study design was conducted among 440 randomly
selected early neonates. Data were extracted from medical records and neonatal registration book
using a checklist adapted from the world health organization and other different
literatures.Thedata werecleaned, coded and entered to Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using
Stata version 15.A descriptive analysis was performed. Bi-variable and multivariableanalysis
were done to identify the association between independent variables and the outcome variable.
Associations between variables were measured using an odds ratio at 95% CI.P-value <0.05 was
used to declare statistical significance.
Result:Magnitude of early neonatal mortality was 10.6% [(95%CI:8,14)]. Being preterm
[AOR=3.5, 95%CI (1.62,7.6), having respiratory distress syndrome
[AOR=4.6,95%CI(2.23,9.26)], being LBW[AOR=3.6,95%CI (1.41,8.04)], low Apgar score at 5
minutes[AOR=3.89, 95%CI (1.88,8,04)], Chorioamnionitis [AOR= 6.2 95%CI,
1.3,30.23)],Receiving CPAP [AOR=5.19, 95% CI (2.39,11.23) and maintenance fluid-fed
newborns [AOR=2.61,95%CI (1.14,5.91)] were factorssignificantly associated with early
neonatal death.
Conclusion: The overall proportion of early neonatal death was high.The study identified that
preterm, maternal complication during labor and delivery like chorioamnionitis, and respiratory
distress syndrome, low birth weight, low Apgar score at 5th minute, newborns received CPAP
and maintenance fluid-fed newborns were independent factors associated with early neonatal
mortality. Health care providers should give special attention for early recognition of
abnormalitiesand manage accordingly during ANC and labor follow up.
x
Key Words: Early neonatal death, NICU, Harar, Ethiopia.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
Early neonatal death is one of the major classification of neonatal death that occurs during the
first seven days of life and death happening in this period are mainly due to obstetric causes
(WHO, 2006). Over 3 million early neonatal deaths are projected to come about annually (WHO,
2006).More than 5 million perinatal deaths happeningworldwide every year, ending preventable
perinatal deaths will continue to beimportant part of the global public health agenda. Therefore,
reducing stillbirths and early neonatal deaths continued to be avital part of the third Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG-3), to end preventable child deaths by 2030 (WHO/UNICEF, 2018,
WHO, 2016c)
Despite the decrease in global mortality in the last decade, early neonatal death (END), still
represents >70% of total postnatal deaths and therefore constitutes a major challenge, especially
for low-income countries.The main direct causes of neonatal deaths globally are neonatal
sepsis(36%), preterm birth (28%), and asphyxia (23%). The distribution of causes of neonatal
death varies with the degree of neonatal mortality and 60–80% of neonatal deaths arise in low
birth weight babies(Lawn et al., 2005). The study conducted in India stated that early neonatal
deaths (END) are just about 36.18 per 1000 live births. The substantial causes of END were birth
asphyxia and respiratory distress syndrome accounted for deaths in first 3 days while deaths from
septicemia were mostly after 3 days of life (Nitin Mehkarkar1, 2018).
The etiology of END varies widely among different areas of the world depending on the degree
of industrialization. Whereas, in rural areas in Africa infection and asphyxia constitute the first
causes of END, and in high-income countries the leading causes are prematurity, congenital
malformations, and sudden unexpected neonatal deaths (Lehtonen et al., 2017). Every Newborn
Action Plan (ENAP) aims to reduce early neonatal deaths to less than 10 per 1,000 live births by
2035(WHO, 2014). Although this target has been met in 94 high-income countries, the majority
of the African countries, including Ethiopia, need to half the rates to reach the target(WHO,
2017).
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In Ethiopia, Despite interventions, newborn mortality in Ethiopia has grown over time (33 per
1000 live births)(EMDHS, 2019). However, a comprehensive study and meta-analysis found that
early newborn mortality is reducing in Ethiopia, despite the high rate of early neonatal mortality
(29.5 per 1000)(Jena et al., 2020). Early age of the newborn, prematurity, low birth
weight,perinatal asphyxia, mode of delivery, hypothermia, late initiation of breastfeeding, and
having antenatal care visitswere the main determinants for early neonatal mortality (Tiruneh et
al., 2021).
Almost a half of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa mainly occurs in five countries like
Ethiopia, Nigeria, DR Congo, Uganda and Tanzania. Early neonatal deaths account for three
quarter of all neonatal deaths, and preventing these, depends on attention to the causes of death
that are unique to the first week of life, particularly birth asphyxia and prematurity. According to
the report of United Nations international child education and fund(UNICEF) and Ethiopian
Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), the neonatal mortality rate accounts 23% and
29%/1000 live births in Ethiopia(UNICEF, 2016, EDHS, 2016)
In Ethiopia three quarter of newborn deaths occur during the first week of life and about 25% to
40% of deaths occur within the first 24 hours. The most common causes of mortality particularly
2
for early neonatal death are prematurity (37%), early onset of neonatal sepsis(28%), and
asphyxia (24%) (Liu et al., 2012).Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa with the highest
neonatal mortality. Although neonatal mortality was decreased from 39 to 29 between the 2005
and 2016 EDHS, it was remained stable since the 2016 EDHS.But in the current updated 2019
EMDHS survey, it has been increased a little bit to 33 (EMDHS, 2019). In 2013 a study done in
Ethiopia indicated that, Early Neonatal Mortality Rate (ENMR) was 29.2 per 1000
population(Mekonnen et al., 2013).
Early Neonatal death has not been extensively studied in developing countries including Ethiopia
wheremortality rates are tremendously high, and information to improve services is limited.
Nowadays, during the period of SDG the ultimate focus is to reduce neonatal mortality to 12 per
1000 live births globally including Ethiopia which contribute to the attainment of the global
sustainable development goal. A clear knowledge of the magnitude of early neonatal at a local
context is very crucial. Besides, identifying the magnitude is very essential for the prioritization
of local initiatives, which focus on encouraging evidence-based advocacy and effective
interventions targeting early neonataldeath reduction, through local decisionmaking. But most of
the previous studies have been focused on the neonatal in general and perinatal mortality in
particular yet; studies identifying the magnitude of early neonatal death at a large scale are
limited.
Hence, this study is aimed at filling this gap by conducting aninstitutional-based study to
determine the magnitude of earlyneonatal death and identify the factors associated with early
neonatal death.
1.4. Objective
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2 LITERATURE REVIEW
A cross sectional study conducted in Australia on Perinatal health outcomes of East African
immigrant populations reported that 83% of perinatal mortality was recorded during the study
period (Belihu et al., 2016). Findings from institutional based cross section study in Ghana on
Perinatal outcomes of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy revealed that perinatal mortality rate
of 106 per 1000 births was seen(Adu-Bonsaffoh et al., 2017)and also similar study done in South
Sudan on Factors associated with early perinatal mortality has presented Perinatal mortality rate
of 122.3 per 1000 live births (Flora, 2019).
The institutional based study conducted at Wollega University Referral Hospital, Western
Ethiopia indicated that the overall magnitude of early neonatal death was 8%(Elias Merdassa
Roro, 2019). The finding from the study conducted in Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia revealed that
the magnitude of early neonatal death was about 12.65% (Kahsay et al., 2019). Another study
institutional study conducted in Eastern Ethiopia Somali region reported that the proportion of
early neonatal death was 7%(Elmi Farah et al., 2018) and study conducted in Sidama Southern
Ethiopia indicated that the prevalence of early neonatal death was 5%(Alaka Adiso Limaso1,
2020). Also the study conducted in Uganda revealed that the overall proportion of early neonatal
death was 11.7%(Nakibuuka et al., 2012).
Institutional based study conducted in Southern Ethiopia on Perinatal Death and Associated
factors indicated that 17.3% of perinatal death was observed during the study period (Mihiretu et
al., 2017) and another cross sectional study in the northwest Ethiopia on Patterns of admission
and factors associated with neonatal mortality reported that 14.3% of neonatal mortality was
registered, out of which 62.7% deaths occurred in the first 24 hours of age (Demisse et al.,
2017). Findings from the study in Southern Ethiopia on Perinatal outcomes of hypertensive
disorders in pregnancy showed that perinatal mortality rate of 111.1 per 1000 live births has been
observed (Asseffa and Demissie, 2019).Report from community based study conducted in
Southwest part of Ethiopia on Magnitude of Perinatal Mortality was revealed 34.5 (95% CI:
28.9, 41.1) deaths per 1000 births perinatal mortality (Debelew, 2020). Cross sectional study that
was conducted in Southern Ethiopia on Perinatal Mortality and Associated Factors indicated
5
perinatal mortality of 12.6% (95% CI: 11.80, 13.40) (Dessu and Dawit, 2020). Systematic review
conducted in Ethiopia on the effect of antenatal care on perinatal outcomes revealed perinatal
mortality rate of 41 per 1000 total births along with 19 per 1000 live births early neonatal
mortality rate (Shiferaw et al., 2021). An institutional based cross sectional study conducted in
the Northern part of Ethiopia reported that 27.47 % of adverse perinatal outcomes were observed
among which 10.8% had a perinatal mortality outcome (Seyoum et al., 2021) .
The cross sectionalstudy conducted in Cuba revealed that newborns born from mothers age less
than 20 years were more likely to die compared to those mother age greater than 20 years
old[AOR=1.85 95%CI (1.01,3.38) (Gaiva et al., 2016).The study conducted in Eritrea revealed
that the maternal age was not significantly associated with early neonatal death[AOR=1.32,
95%CI (0.39,4.46)(Andegiorgish et al., 2020).
A study conducted in Brazil revealed that the sex of neonate is not significantly associated with
neonatal mortality, being male [AOR=0.8,95%CI (0.6,1.2)(p=0.254)] was not significantly
associate with newborn death(Costa et al., 2020). Another study conducted in Guinea-Bissau
revealed that the sex of neonates was associated with newborn death, being female was
[AOR=0.55 95%CI,(0.38,0.79)] had lower risk of death than males (Pinstrup Joergensen et al.,
2018). According to EDHS 2016, male neonates were more likely to die than female neonate and
also gender gap is most pronounced in the neonatal period (within 1 month after birth), when
male children are nearly twice as likely as female children to die (49 deaths compared with 26
deaths, per 1,000 live births, respectively)(EDHS, 2016).
According to a research conducted in Jima, newborns who were from outside the city had a 1.89
times greater risk of mortality [AOR=1.89,95 % CI(1.4,2.5)] than newborns who arrived from
within the city(Seid et al., 2019). While the study conducted in Gondor showed that the place of
residency was not significantly associated with early neonatal mortality[AOR=1.56,95%CI
(0.88,2.77)] (Demisse et al., 2017). Similarly, a study done in Gondor in a separate year found
that residence place was not associated with newborn death[AOR=1.092,95%CI (0.55,2.16)]
6
(Kokeb and Desta, 2016).Another cross-sectional study in Tigray Ethiopia found that mothers in
urban areas had more access to public health care services and were thus more aware of the need
of using health care services to maintain the health of their newborns than mothers in rural
regions. The mortality rate among newborns in urban regions was 64 percent lower than that of
rural residents (AOR = 0.364; 95% CI: (0.136–0.970) (Woldeamanuel and Gelebo, 2019).
Another cross-sectional research done at Arba Minch General Hospital found that neonates
delivered to mothers who labored for more than or equal to 18 hours were 2.6 times more likely
to die than those born to mothers who labored for less than or equal to 18 hours(Samuel, 2019).
In addition, mothers who had a prolonged labor were 9 times more likely than their
counterparts[(AOR=8.791, 95% CI (2.248, 34.381)] to experience a perinatal death and also
being multiparity (AOR: 7.40; 95% CI: 2.77 20.26) was also higher risk of death (Dessu and
Dawit, 2020).
Compared to mothers who did not attend ANC, babies delivered to mothers who did were 60%
less likely to have a risk of newborn death (AOR =0.4, 95% CI:0.2-0.8) (Seyoum et al., 2021).
Research done in Southern Ethiopia found that mothers who did not attend ANC were four times
more likely to have newborn death than those who did[(AOR=3.950, 95%CI:1.546,
10.094)](Eshete et al., 2019). Another study showed that having one antenatal visit (AOR=4.40;
95% CI: 1.64, 11.91) are more likely experience early neonatal death (Dessu and Dawit, 2020).
Another cross-sectional research in Jima, Ethiopia found that women who attended four ANC
visits had a lower risk of neonatal mortality than those who did not [(AOR=0:46; 95% CI:0.23,
0.91)] (Debelew, 2020).
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Another study revealed that having an institutional skilled birth attendant [(AOR= 0.34; 95%
CI:0.19,0.61)] were significantly associated with a reduction of newborn death and similarly,
being a primipara [(AOR=3.38; 95% CI:1.90,6.00)], multipara [(AOR=5:29; 95%
CI:1.46,19.21)], previous history of early neonatal loss [(AOR=3.33; 95% CI:1.27,8.72)], and
obstetric complication during labor [(AOR=4.27; 95% CI:2.40,7.59)] were significantly
increased perinatal mortality (Debelew, 2020). Mode of delivery in instrumental delivery
[(AOR:2.99; 95 % CI: 1.08,8.31)] was shown to have a greater risk of newborn death in a cross
sectional research done at Gondor Teaching Hospital(Demisse et al., 2017). Another research
carried out in Eritrea found that obstetrical complications during delivery were not associated
with newborn death[AOR=1.07 95%CI (0.35,3.24)] (Andegiorgish et al., 2020).
2.2.3. Environmental factors
A studyconducted in Tanzania reported that kangaroo mother care was significantly associated
with early neonatal death(Linda A Winkler1, 2020). Similarly, results from KMC programs in
urban areas where newborns begin KMC after stabilization and better than outcomes reported for
comparable populations not practicing KMC in rural sub-Saharan Africa(Linda A Winkler1,
2020).
The study conducted Latin America revealed that Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes
[AOR=1.89,95%CI (1.24,2.86)] were significantly associated with newborn death(Reyes et al.,
2018). Another stud conducted in Brazil showed that Apgar score of less than 7 at
1minutes[AOR=1.1 95%CI (0.7,1.4)] was not associated with neonatal mortality(Costa et al.,
8
2020). Similar study conducted in Ghana teaching Hospital revealed that compared to newborns
with APGAR score of greater than orequal to 8, newborns born with 5-minutes Apgar score 4-7
and lower than 4 had more risk of death(Owusu et al., 2018). Another study conducted in Arba
Minch Hospital southern Ethiopia revealed that newborns with the 5-minutes Apgar score of less
than 5 had 4.4 times more likely to die than those who have greater or equal to Apgar score of
5(Samuel, 2019).
Institutional based cross sectional study conducted in Uganda stated that Intrapartum Asphyxia
29.2%, Hemorrhagic disease of the new born 10.8%, Respiratory distress Syndrome 9.2%,
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome 2.5%, and Hypoxic Ischemic encephalopathy1.7% are highly
associated with perinatal mortality (Nakibuuka et al., 2012)and the same study with the same
design conducted in Southern Ethiopia stated that being pre-term (AOR: 6.78; 95% CI: 2.41,
19.09), birth weight <2,500 gram (AOR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.48, 6.46) were major risk factors for
perinatal mortality (Dessu and Dawit, 2020). In the same way, mothers with preeclampsia were 8
times more likely to have perinatal death than those who had no history of preeclampsia
[(AOR=7.600, 95% CI (1.739, 33.222)]. Mothers who gave birth to low birth weight were 9
times more likely to have perinatal death as compared to those who gave birth to a normal birth
weight baby [(AOR= 8.8, 95% CI (2.1, 36.5)] (Mihiretu et al., 2017).
A study conducted in Eritrea showed that length of stay at Hospital was significantly associated
with neonatal mortality. Neonates stayed for more than one week were less risk of death than
those who stayed less than 7 days[AOR=0.23, 95%CI 0.11-0.46)(Andegiorgish et al., 2020). A
study done in Jima revealed that those who stayed for less than one week in the NICU had 3.9
fold higher odds of death(AOR=3.9, 95%CI 2.8-5.5)] compared to those who stayed for more
than one week(Seid et al., 2019). Another Institutional based study conducted in Gondar,
Ethiopia on patterns of admission and factors associated with neonatal mortality stated that early
neonatal death was associated with perinatal asphyxia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR=5.97; 95%
CI:3.06,11.64)and early onset of neonatal sepsis [(AOR: 2.66; 95% CI:1.62,6.11)](Demisse et
al., 2017).
9
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1.1.1. Conceptual Framework
Figure 1: A Conceptual framework indicating factors associated with early neonatal death,2021.
Source: Adapted from different literatures and(UNICEF, 2009).
13
2. METHODS AND MATERIALS
13
2.3. Inclusion and Exclusion criteria
Where:
n = sample size,
Z α/2 = critical value at 95% confidence level of certainty (1.96)
p = proportion 12.6% (0.126)
d= margin of error 5% (0.05)
n = (1.96)2(0.126) (0.874)/ (0.05)2=170
When the incomplete record rate of 10% is added to the total sample size then the final sample
size was186.
14
For Objective 2: Using double population proportion formula, sample size was calculated from
factors associated with early neonatal death. The sample size for the second specific objective of
this study was determined by considering factors that are significantly associated with the
outcome variable, two-sided confidence level of 95%, the margin of error of 5%, power of 80%
and the ratio of exposed to unexposed 1:1 using EPI-Info software. Considering 10% for
incomplete records the final sample size for the second objective was determined.
Table 1: Objective two sample size calculation for magnitude and factors associated with early
neonatal death among babies born at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital in Harar,
Eastern Ethiopia.
Exposed Unexposed
The required sample size for thecurrent study was decided by taking the maximum sample size
bycomparing sample size for first and second objective. The first objective samples size 186 and
the second objective sample size calculation results 440. Then the largest sample size was taken
from second objective, 440.
15
A list of study population from registration were reviewed according to date of admission.
Medical records with full information were used and if there is missing chart the next in the
sequence was used.
16
2.7. Study Variables
2.7.1. Dependent Variable
Early Neonatal Death
Obstetric factors:Antenatal Care (ANC) follow-up, place of birth, parity, mode of delivery, type
of pregnancy, presentation at delivery, complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery
Neonatal factors: neonatal age at admission, gestational age at birth, sex, the weight of neonate,
date of NICU admission and discharge, Apgar score,respiratory distress syndrome (RDS),
perinatal asphyxia (PNA), prematurity, jaundice, hypothermia and neonatal sepsis.
17
Gestational age: is a measure of a pregnancy in weeks from the beginning of the women’s last
menstrual period (LMP). Infant born, before 37weeks are considered as preterm and after
37weeks as term(WHO, 2012).
Respiratory distress:breathing disorder in newborns like fastbreathing,grunting, blue color
flaring(widening) of nostrils with each breath and chest retractions. Normally, the newborns
respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute.
18
with VIF>10 was observed. Variables with P-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis
were considered as there is a significant association with magnitude of early neonatal death.
19
3. RESULT
3.1. Socio-demographic characteristics
Out of 440 selected early neonates, 3early neonates were self-discharge and 5early neonates had
incomplete medicalrecords. A total of 432 early neonateswere enrolled in the analysis. Median
age of the mothers was 26 years(IQR of 22,30)and majority332(77%) of maternal age
wasbetween 20 to 34 and 65(15%) of themothers were below the age of 20.Out of those, 236
(54.6%) werefrom outside of Harar and238(55.1%)of the early neonates were male.
20
124(28.7%) of early neonates were delivered by cesarean section. The median duration of labor
was 12 hours with interquartile range (IQR=6,16 hours) and 273 (63.2%) of early neonates were
born between 4 to 8 hours of the start of labor.
Table 3:Maternal Obstetrics related characteristics of the mothers who gave birth to early
neonates admitted to HFSUH, Harar Ethiopia, 2021(n=432)
Type of pregnancy
Singleton 381 88.2
Multiple 51 11.8
Previous bad obstetrics history
Yes 67 15.5
No 365 84.5
History of early neonatal loss
Yes 30 7
No 402 93
History of still birth
Yes 26 6
No 406 94
Mode of Index delivery
Spontaneous vaginal delivery 290 67.1
Cesarean section 124 28.7
Instrument assisted delivery 18 4.2
Place of index birth
Home 16 3.7
Health center 104 24.1
Hospital 312 72.2
21
Duration of labor in hours
<4 hours 75 17.4
4-8 hours 273 63.2
>12 hours 84 19.4
Complication during index pregnancy
Yes 102 23.6
No 330 76.4
Complication during pregnancy(n=102)
PROM 37 36.3
Preeclampsia 34 33.3
Antepartum Hemorrhage 21 20
Chorioamnionitis 10 9.8
Complication during labor and delivery(n=432)
PROM 37 8.6
Preeclampsia 34 7.9
Antepartum Hemorrhage 21 4.9
Chorioamnionitis 10 2.3
Causes of admission
Regarding admission problems, more than half 61.8% of the admissions were due to EONS
followed by hypothermia (54.2%). Prematurity was the third cause of admission to NICU, (39.6
%), (Fig.2).
Causes ofAdmission(%)
70.0 61.8
60.0 54.2
50.0 39.6
40.0 30.1
30.0 21.1
20.0 10.4 8.6 8.3 6.0
10.0
0.0
26
4. DISCUSSION
Magnitude of early neonatal mortality at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital was found
to be 10.6%[(95%CI:8,14)].The overall proportion of early neonatal mortality in this study
almost consistentwith studies conducted in Nekemte 8%(Elias Merdassa Roro, 2019),Mekelle,
Northern Ethiopia (12.65%) (Kahsay et al., 2019), and Uganda 11.7% (Nakibuuka et al., 2012).
Possible reason could be the same at-risk study population for these studies conducted in
Ethiopia.During the neonatal period, the risk of death is highest at the time of birth and gradually
diminishes over the following days and weeks. Within the first 24 hours of delivery, up to 36%
of neonates die, and approximately 73% die within the first week of life(Oza et al., 2014) andthe
same reason can be driven for the study in Uganda.
But the finding was higher than the studies conducted inSomali Region 7% (Elmi Farah et al.,
2018),Jima 3%(Aragaw, 2016), and Sidama 5% (Alaka Adiso Limaso1, 2020). This
maindifference might be attributed to difference in study setting, sample size,and study
period(Zeray et al., 2019).However, the magnitude of early neonatal mortality in thisstudywas
lower than the studies conducted in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia 13%(Orsido et al., 2019),
Debre Markos, Northwest Ethiopia 17.7%(Alebel et al., 2020) and Somali region 20%(Elmi
Farah et al., 2018).This discrepancy might be due to the existence of socio-demography and
socio-economic differences across Ethiopian regions regarding health service utilization of
available health services including delivery at health facilities, and seeking health facilities for
sick neonates, anda difference in geographical locations might be a reason(Woday Tadesse et al.,
2021, Adem et al., 2021).Besides this study used data of those neonates only admitted to
neonatal intensive care unit where most critically sick babies are being admitted.
In this study the odds of death among early neonatein preterm neonatal agewas3.5
times[AOR=3.51; 95%CI (1.62,7.6)] more likely to die compared to term neonates. This is in
line with
the fact that preterm newborns have a greater mortality than term newborns (Mengesha et al.,
2016) This finding is consistent with previous studies conducted in public hospitals in Eastern
Ethiopia(Desalew et al., 2020),Mekelle general and Aydercomprehensive specialized hospitals,
northern Ethiopia (Kahsay et al., 2019),Somali region(Elmi Farah et al., 2018)and study
27
conducted in Northern Ethiopia, (Mengesha and Sahle, 2017) and similarly in line with the study
conducted in Eastern Africa Eritrea(Andegiorgish et al., 2020).
This result might be due to immaturity of respiratory and cardiovascular organs, vulnerability to
infection, hypothermia, and lack of skilled medical care during intrapartum, and postpartum
period(WHO, 2016b, You.D. et al., 2015). Another possible reason might be as gestational age
of the neonate decreases at birth, the maturity of the fetus vital organs will be challenged and the
risk of developing life-threatening complications related to prematurity increases and which
could be contributed to increased risk of early neonatal death (Resnik et al., 2008). Similarly,
Organ failure, neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities, vision problems, and long-term
cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases are all risks for preterm babies(Villar et al.,
2014, Behrman and Butler, 2007).
In this study, neonates born from mothers complicated withchorioamnionitis was 6.2 times more
likely to die compared to neonates born from motherswithout pregnancy complicatedwith
chorioamnionitis. In fact, pregnancy complicated with chorioamnionitis leads toa dangerous
blood infection in the mother called bacteremia can cause the baby to be born early as well as
serious complications includes infection,brain damage, or death(Porter et al., 2018, Chan and
Smith, 2018).In thisstudy, the odds of death among early neonates diagnosed with respiratory
distress syndrome had 4.6 times more risk of death when compared with the newborns without
respiratory distress syndrome. This finding is in agreement with the studies conducted in Harar,
(Abdullahi et al., 2021), Gondor(Asmare, 2019).Respiratory distress syndrome is one the
common cause of death in newborns, failure to readily recognize symptoms and treat the
underlying cause of respiratory distress in the newborn can lead to short- and long-term
complications, including chronic lung disease, respiratory failure, and leads to death(Reuter et
al., 2014).
The odds of death among newborns who had low birth weight were 3.6 times more likely
compared with newborns without the condition.In contrast with this study, many facts indicated
that being low birth weight was independently associated with early neonatal death(Geda et al.,
2021, Desalew et al., 2020, Andegiorgish et al., 2020, Seid et al., 2019, Elias Merdassa Roro,
2019, Juan C. Lona Reyes, 2018, Aragaw, 2016, Lukonga and Michelo, 2015). The finding is
also similar with a cross sectional study done in Senegal and Mali which suggested that low birth
28
weight was significantly associated with perinatal death(Tort et al., 2015).The possible
justification is that in fact thatlow birth weight had immaturity of immune systemsand, other
body defense mechanisms that control newborn disease susceptibility(Kliegman et al., 2007).
In this study newborns with low Apgar score at 5 min is 3.9 times more likely to diewhen
compared to newborns with Apgar score of greater than or equal to seven.This is in line with
studies conducted in public hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia; (Desalew et al., 2020) and similarly in
step with the study conducted in Sweden (Cnattingius et al., 2020).In fact, a low Apgar score of
5 minutes is associated with an increased risk of newborn mortality and morbidity, including as
infections, asphyxia-related disorders, and respiratory distress and might suggest a poor response
to resuscitation and signal a poor long-term prognosis(Thorngren-Jerneck and Herbst, 2001). A
lower Apgar score at 5 minutes is also linked to a higher chance of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or
other developmental problems later on(Li et al., 2012, Persson et al., 2018).
And similarly, newborns who received CPAP had 5.19 times more less likely to die when
compared to newborns who did not received CPAP [AOR=5.19, 95% CI (2.39,11.23).This
finding is in agreement with study conducted in India (Dewez et al., 2020). The possible reason
might be CPAP use can lead to serious complications such as pneumothorax, or nasal trauma(Ho
et al., 2015). Moreover, when CPAP is used with supplemental oxygen, the unregulated use of
oxygen may lead to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a major cause of blindness, or
bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (Hartnett and Lane, 2013, Davidson and Berkelhamer,
2017). CPAP is easy to initiate, but to be effective, CPAP needs to be used continuously for
hours or days. This implies continuous supplies of electricity and medical gases, continuous
clinical monitoring for timely detection of acute complications and long-term follow-up for
chronic complications (WHO, 2015).
In this study the odds of neonates’ fed-up maintenance fluid had 2.61 times more than newborns
received breast feeding exclusively [AOR=2.61, 95% CI (1.14,5.91)].The reason might be
due to the complications may lead to local infection, catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-
BSI), fluid overload, and complications related to the type and amount of solution or medication
given(Perry et al., 2014). Most complications are avoidable if simple hand hygiene and safe
principles are adhered to for each patient at every point of contact(McCallum and Higgins, 2012)
29
30
5. STRENGTH AND LIMITATION
The strength of this study was the use of a standard and pretested checklist adapted from the
WHO and national neonatal registration book. This would help to compare the proportion of
early neonatal mortality against the national and international point of view. Again, the study
provides the magnitude of early neonatal mortality at HFSUH.
The limitation was this study might not show a cause-effect relationship because the study design
was cross sectional. The use of medical records of newborns because of incompleteness and
since the study is facility based, the result might lack generalizability to the entire population in
the catchment area.Because of unavailability of information in the records, factors like maternal
medical factors and others were not assessed.
31
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
6.1. Conclusion
The study revealed that the overall proportion of early neonatal death was highwhich needs more
attention. The study identified that Preterm, Maternal complication during delivery like
chorioamnionitis, respiratory distress syndrome, low birth weight, low Apgar score at 5th
minutes, Newborns received CPAPand newborn fed-up maintenance fluidwere independent
factors associated with early neonatal mortality. In general, this finding and other studies showed
that Ethiopia is in the challenge to achieve national child and newborn survival strategy and
SDGs. Since most of the early neonatal death is due to preventable and treatable
conditions,proven, cost-effective, interventions should be existed to prevent and treat eachof
these main causes of early neonatal death.
Therefore, improving the obstetric care around birth, improving prompt resuscitation, specialized
care, and strengthening the standardized continuum of care starting from preconceptions to
menopause could prevent neonatal deaths in the study area.
32
6.2. Recommendation
For Policy makers
Incorporate general prevention mechanism and develop standard protocols for all
facilities to alert all health professionals working around maternity and NICUs in general.
Capacity building for neonatology professionals can also be the gateway to improve
service provision at NICU.
33
Community based longitudinal study would be helpful to get other unmeasured risk
factors.
34
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39
8. APPENDICES
8.1.Information sheet and informed consent form for HospitalMedical
Director/CEO
My name is Abdulmelik Abdela I am studyingmy Masters’ degree of public health in
Reproductive Health at Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences. I kindly
request you to give me your attention; to explain the study and your health institution being
selected as the study setting.
The study title
Magnitude and factors associated with early neonatal death among early neonates admitted to
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Hiwot Fana Specialized Hospital in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia,
2021.
Purpose of the study
The study will be conducted through a collection of secondary data already collected on the
patient’s card and register and the aim of this study is to write a thesis as a partial requirement
for the fulfillment of a Masters’ degree program in Reproductive Health for the principal
investigator. The findings of the study will help the hospital to understand magnitude gap among
early neonates and its common factors.
Data collection procedure and duration
I will review records of the babies using a data retrieval form to provide me with pertinent data
that is helpful for the study. There are 28questions to answer where I filled the data retrieval
form by reviewing records. The review in each record may take 20-30 minutes, to collect data for
a single patient.
Risks and benefit of the study
The risk of reviewing in this study is minimal, the only assumed risk will be like time loss by
data collectors during data collection but only taking a few minutes from patient’s card/database
and follow up charts being used by hospitals. There would not be any direct payment for
reviewing in this study. The finding from this study will be contributed to the body of knowledge
that informs the hospital and neonatal program planners and decision makers
Confidentiality
40
The information collected in the way explained above will be confidential. There will be no
information that will identify the records in particular. The findings of the study will be general
for the study community and will not reflect anything particular of individual persons. The data
retrieval form will code to exclude showing names. No reference will be made in oral or written
reports that could link participants to the research.
Rights
Participation in this study is voluntary. Your hospital hasfull right to declare reviewing or not
reviewing therecords. If you have allowed me to review the records, you have also full right to
withdraw from the study at any time if any problem is perceived.
Contact address
If there are any questions or enquires any time about the study or procedures, please contact the
investigator by using the following addresses.
Principal investigator: Abdulmalik Abdela Bushra
E-mail: abdum1009@gmail.com
Mobile phone: +251-913111608
Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Science Institutional Research Ethical
Review Committee: Office phone: +251- 254662011, P.O. Box: 235, Harar
Declaration of informed voluntary consent
I have read the participant information sheet. I have clearly understood the purpose of the
research, the procedures, the risks and benefits, issues of confidentiality, the rights of
participating and the contact address for any queries. I have been given the opportunity to ask
questions for things that may have been unclear. I was informed that hospital has the right
towithdraw from the study at any time.I also informed that thehospital has the right to stop this
study from being conducted if any misdeeds and unethical procedures are observed during the
data collection process in the hospital’s premises. Therefore,I declare my voluntary consent on
behalf of Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital management to allow this study to be
conducted in our hospital with my signature.
Name of medical director/CEO: ____________________Signature ________ Date_________
Name of Principal Investigator: _____________________Signature ________ Date__________
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8.2. Questionnaire
Q.NO: __________________________ Name of Hospital: HFSUH
Name and signature of data collector: _______________________ Date ________________
Section 1: Socio Demographic Factors
Table 6: Baseline Maternal Socio Demographic characteristics of study participants
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If yes, type of bad 206.1Early neonatal death 1. Yes
obstetrics history? 2. No
206.2Still birth 1. Yes
2. No
206.3Intrauterine fetal death 1. Yes
2. No
206.4Intrauterine growth 1. Yes
restriction 2. No
206.5Other(Specify):_____
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Section 4: Neonatal Factors
Table 9: Neonatal Factors
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416 Neonatal Sepsis diagnosed at 1. Yes
admission 2. No
417 Hypothermia diagnosed at 1. Yes
admission 2. No
418 Newborn heated with radiant 1. Yes
warmer 2. No
419 Newborn received kangaroo 1. Yes
mother care 2. No
420 Neonate received continuous 1. Yes
positive airway pressure 2. No
(nCPAP)
421 Neonate received photo 3. Yes
therapy 4. No
Table 5: End line early neonates’ information.
Question Coding and categories Remark
501 Death 1. Yes If no skip to Q.504
2. No
502 Causes of death 1. If yes to Q.501
2.
3.
503 Age at death __________
504 Length of stay at hospital _________ days/hrs.
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8.3. Principal Investigator Curriculum Vitae
Name: Abdulmalik Abdela Bushra
Mobile: +251913111608
E-mail: abdum1009@gmail.com
Education Background: BSc in Midwifery, Candidate for MPH in RH
1. Personal Information
Sex: Male
Nationality: Ethiopia
Date of Birth: 1994 G.C
Marital Status: Married
2. Education Qualification and Development
YearPlaceDisciplineAward
3. Language Skills
LanguageWritingSpeakingReadingListening
English Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Amharic Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Afan Oromo Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
4. Work Experience
Clinton Health Access Initiative(CHAI) Melka Bello Woreda Midwife Mentor
Coordinator, January,2018 to December,2020
PHEM focal person at Melka Bello WoHO, January 2018 to October 2020.
Family Health and Nutrition Program Coordinator at Melka Bello
WoHO,Oromia,2020)
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Transform PHC Ethiopia: Melka Belo HO Woreda Grant Fund Coordinator
January 2020 to February 2021.
PHCU Director and MCH and labor wards room head ( Jaja health
Center,Oromia,2017-2018)
Under five /IMNCI service room (jaja health center,Oromia,Sept-Dec,2018MCH,
Delivery, Perinatal and Labor wards room head (Bareda health Center, Oromia,
from 2015/16-2017)
5. Skills
Basic computer skills (Excellent in MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel )
Statistical Analytic Software’s (SPSS, EPiData, EPInfo..)
MCH mentoring ,Couching, Integrated MCH supportive Supervision and Monthly
,weekly reporting with Clinton health Access Initiative(CHAI) (2018-2019)
Planning, Implementing, evaluating and reporting overall family health Program,
Maternal Nutrition and Nutrition service with Catholic Relief service
CRS)organization(2019-2019)
Delivering BEMONC training for health care workers co- with CHAI
organization
Preparing Review Meeting and Excellent Report preparation and Presentation
PHD Qualitative research data collection with Haramaya University.
Motorcycle driving license and Experience
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7. Professional Background
Qualitative research data collection on maternal and child health with Catholic Relief Center
Dire Dawa district.
8. References
1. Ahmeddin Mohammed,Head of Melka Belo Health Office
Mobile: +251927206616
2. Wogane Dibaba, CHAI ,Midwife Mentor program manager
Mobile: +251913225908
Email: wegenediba2004@gmail.com
3. Dr. Ziyad Abrahim, Lecturer at Haramaya University
Mobile : +251935626144
Email: ziyadabrahim5@gmail.com
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