Factors associated with the admission of moderate to late preterm and term neonates within 72 hours of birth at Dedza and Mangochi District Hospitals, Malawi: a matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the demographic characteristics, maternal, and perinatal factors associated with the hospitalization of moderate to late preterm and term neonates within 72 h of birth in the Dedza and Mangochi districts of Malawi.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted with one-to-one matching for age, location, and sex. Cases were sick neonates who were admitted in the Sick Intensive Neonatal Care Unit (SINCU) within 72 h of life, while controls were non-sick neonates delivered within two weeks of the birth dates of cases. Prenatal data were extracted from case files, while other maternal practices and demographic characteristics were obtained by interviewing primary care takers or legal guardians after obtaining consent. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with hospitalization of moderate to late preterm and term neonates within 72 h of birth.

RESULTS

Application of tetracycline eye ointment (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20-0.82, p = 0.012) applying chlorhexidine to the umbilical cord stump (AOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10-0.88, p = 0.027), and stimulation resuscitation (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.78, p = 0.020) were associated with a reduced odd of hospitalization. An increased odds of hospitalization was significantly associated with low birth weight (AOR: 10.48, 95% CI: 4.25-25.89, p = 0.001), Apgar score < 5 (AOR: 5.0, 95% CI: 2.14-11.63, p = 0.001), suctioning resuscitation (AOR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.17-6.83, p = 0.021), and resuscitation using O (AOR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.32-13.56, p = 0.015). Maternal factors associated with reduced odds of hospitalization included the mother testing positive and successfully treated for syphilis antenatally (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.18, p = 0.001) and the mother being married (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16-0.93, p = 0.34). Maternal factors associated with an increased odds of hospitalization include premature rupture of membranes (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.12-5.52, p = 0.025) and presence of meconium stain during delivery (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.63-6.06, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The research findings indicate that several interventions significantly reduce infections in neonates within their initial 72 h of life. These include the application of ophthalmic ointment to all neonates, utilization of chlorhexidine on the umbilical cord stump, and provision of antenatal treatment for syphilis and HIV in infected mothers. Conversely, certain factors increase the likelihood of neonatal morbidity and potential hospitalization during this critical period. These risk factors include low birth weight, a low Apgar score, and conditions necessitating suctioning or oxygen resuscitation at birth. Furthermore, infants born to mothers who experienced premature rupture of membranes or meconium-stained amniotic fluid during parturition are more susceptible to infectious conditions, which may necessitate hospitalization within the first 72 h postpartum. We recommend that stimulation be used as the core procedure for resuscitation, whereas suctioning should be used with caution and only when it is essential. Infection prevention measures should always be adhered to during all procedures on neonates. We recommend intensifying HIV and syphilis testing and treating during the antenatal period to reduce neonatal infection.