Prevalence and risk factors for admission hypothermia in neonates in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypothermia on admission in neonatal units is a well-recognized contributor of neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify risk factors for hypothermia on admission in a resource-poor setting which will help provide targeted preventive interventions. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from July 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022. A total of 567 neonates were included in the study, data were collected from the unit electronic database. The axillary temperature of each neonate was measured using a digital thermometer at the point of admission. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to assess associated risk factors. Results: The prevalence of admission hypothermia (AH) in the study population was 42.4% with mild and moderate hypothermia accounting for 46.3% and 53.7%, respectively. Maternal ages 20–29 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.93) and 30–39 years (aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08–0.88) and primary education (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.92) were associated with reduced risk of AH. Age <24 h (aOR 3.61, 95% CI 1.70–7.66), gestational age 28–32 weeks (aOR 3.90, 95% CI 1.41–10.79) and 33–36 weeks (aOR 2.835, 95% CI 1.52–5.28), admission weight <2.5 kg (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.18–3.43), and cold season (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.06–3.14) were associated with increased risk of AH. Mortality in those with AH was 3 folds (crude odds ratio 3.38, 95% CI 1.6–6.82). Conclusion: Hypothermia on admission is common in neonates in resource-poor settings. Training of newborn care-providers in maintaining thermoneutral environment and temperature at delivery and postnatal periods will be a cost-effective intervention in reducing neonatal mortality.