Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal hospitalization in developing countries. It is also a major cause of mortality in the world affecting both developed and developing countries. Diagnosis and management of sepsis are a great challenge facing neonatologists in neonatal intensive care units due to nonspecific signs and symptoms. This study, therefore, was aimed to determine proportion and risk factors of neonatal sepsis at university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia. RESULT: The proportion of neonatal sepsis was 11.7%. Factors significantly associated with neonatal sepsis were: Neonatal related factors were: Premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 2.74; 95% Cl (1.39, 5.38), congenital anomaly (AOR = 3.14; 95% CI (1.09, 10.28), and low Apgar score (AOR = 2.69; 95% Cl (1.37, 5.26). Maternal factors were: foul-smelling vaginal discharge (AOR = 2.75; 95% Cl (1.40, 5.38), and Intrapartum fever (AOR = 3.35; 95% Cl (1.7, 6.62). In this finding proportion of Neonatal sepsis was low as compared to previous studies. Measures targeting the prevention of premature rupture of membranes and low Apgar score need to be taken, like strengthening maternal birth preparedness and complication readiness plans. Also, identification of congenital anomalies earlier in pregnancy and taking measures to avoid birth injury may decrease neonatal sepsis.