Incidence, risk factor and outcome of neonatal sepsis: A retrospective study among neonates admitted into General Hospital, Igbokoda, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, neonatal sepsis still remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates within 28days of life or younger, in spite of recent advances in the health care units. Higher percentage of under-five mortality occurs globally during the first week of newborns life which are related to neonatal and maternal risk factors. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of neonatal sepsis and its risk factors among neonates admitted into General Hospital, Igbokoda. Retrospectively between the year January, 2016 and December, 2019. Method: The research design used for study was cross sectional, retrospective and non-experimental design. The study was conducted at General Hospital, Igbokoda.The sample size was obtained from the record department based on the number of case files of the neonates admitted into General Hospital, Igbokoda from January 2016 – December 2019. that were retrieved using a purposive sampling technique while a structured check list with reliability index of 0.789 was used as the tool of data collection from Case files of neonates with the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Result: The findings revealed that the overall incidence rate of neonatal sepsis was 22.2 per 1000 livebirths among the total 120 neonates used in this study in which. The maternal factors identified to cause neonatal sepsis include maternal age 88 (73.3%), parity 77 (64.2%), digital examination 68 (56.7%), level of education, place of delivery, PROM, and occupation. The study also revealed that neonatal factors causing neonatal sepsis are, neonatal age115 (95.8%), sex of the neonate, birth asphyxia, pgar score at birth 36 (30%). The outcome of neonatal sepsis revealed that 49 (40.8%) were discharged home without complication, 31 (25.8%) were discharged home with complications, 36 (30.0%) were referred and 4 (3.3%) were recorded dead. Conclusion: Based on the above outcome, it is recommended that more attention should be given to newborn care especially in their first week of life. Health education should be given to pregnant women within the vulnerable age during antenatal and post - natal visits. More attention should be given to the primipara women during labor and health care providers should ensure that digital vaginal examination is done when it is strictly needed.