Prevalence and Associated Factors of Neonatal Sepsis among Neonates Admitted at Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Hargeisa Hospitals, Somaliland, 2023

Background: Neonatal sepsis is the main cause of neonatal death and morbidity worldwide. It is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response during the clinical course of infection which manifests within the first month of life of a newborn. Neonatal sepsis accounts for 7% of all neonatal deaths in Somalia. However, we know little about the prevalence and factors associates with neonatal sepsis in Somaliland. As a result, this study is aimed to assess the prevalence of neonatal sepsis and associated factors among neonates admitted to intensive care units at Hargeisa Hospitals in Somaliland. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 medical records of neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care units of Hargeisa Hospitals from May, 2023 to June, 2023. The medical records selected at random using lottery method. Neonatal record review used to collect data using structured pretested checklist. Data entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 22. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression used to identify associated factors at a 95% confidence interval. Significance is considered at p-value < 0.05, Multi-collinearity is examined (VIF <10) and Model fitness is evaluated using Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic test (P< 0.05). Result: The overall prevalence of neonatal sepsis in this study was 28.69% (95% CI, 22.97-34.40). Neonates whose mothers’ membranes had ruptured before giving birth (AOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.01-3.61) and neonates delivered through assisted vaginal delivery (AOR=3.9; 95% CI: 1.19-12.64) had a positive association with neonatal sepsis than their counterparts. Recommendations: Hospitals and health professionals should enhance early detection and management of mother with PROM. Health professionals should give particular consideration to the neonate through vaginal delivery.