Early Neonatal Death and Associated Factors Among Babies Born in North Shoa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Early neonatal death refers to the death of a newborn within the first seven days of life or with a birth weight of at least one kilogram. It is a key indicator of the quality of prenatal, intrapartum, and newborn care, and remains a major contributor to under-five mortality. In Ethiopia, few studies have examined early neonatal deaths, and most existing research relies on secondary, institution-based data. This study aims to provide insights into early neonatal mortality within rural communities of Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural areas of the North Shoa Zone between January 1 and March 30, 2020. Data were entered using EpiData (version 4.2) and analyzed with SPSS (version 23). Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess associations between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was set at p ≤0.05.

Result: The magnitude of Early neonatal death was 9(9.4%) (95%, CI: 7%-11%). Maternal age less than 18 years, mothers unable to read and write, gestational age less than 37 weeks, unable to cry immediately after delivery, and the short inter-pregnancy interval was significantly associated with early neonatal death.

Conclusion: Generally, this study has high early neonatal death, which needs more attention. Maternal age less than 18 years, mothers unable to read and write, gestational age less than 37 weeks, unable to cry immediately after delivery, and the short inter-pregnancy interval was significantly associated with early neonatal death.