PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS AMONG NEWBORNS ADMITTED TO THE NEONATAL UNIT OF STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, ASUBIARO, OSOGBO, OSUN STATE

Abstract

Neonatal sepsis remains a formidable global health challenge: estimates indicate that in 2022 there were approximately 2.3 million newborn deaths worldwide, with infections, predominantly sepsis, responsible for roughly 20% of these deaths. Despite medical advancements the condition remains a major public health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study therefore examined the prevalence and predictors of neonatal sepsis among newborns admitted to the neonatal unit of state specialist hospital Asubiaro, Osogbo, Osun State. This study is a seven-month retrospective study conducted to examine the prevalence and predictors of neonatal sepsis. Data was extracted from the medical records of patients and hospital database using PROFORMA and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages while inferential statistics of logical regression was used to establish relationship between the variables. The finding showed that prevalence of neonatal sepsis among newborns was high (100%). Low birth weight (53.1%) and preterm delivery (50.0%) were the strongest predictors of mortality. The study concluded that neonatal sepsis remains highly prevalent. Therefore, government should strengthen maternal and neonatal healthcare services.