Magnitude of Neonatal Admission Diagnosis and Associated Factors at Selected Hospitals in Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia

Background: Neonates are commonly admitted to neonatal intensive care units, and the type(s) of admission determine the outcome of the neonate. Therefore, we sought to assess the magnitude of neonatal admission and associated factors at selected hospitals in Wollo, northeast Ethiopia in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 422 admitted mother–neonate pairs was conducted. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and reviewing patient records and then entered and analyzed using EpiData version 3.1 and Stata version 14, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 53.4% (95% CI 48.5%– 58.2%), low birth weight 36.9% (95% CI 32.3%– 41.7%), prematurity 24.2% (95% CI 20.3%– 28.5%), and hypoglycemia 9.7% (95% CI 7.2%– 13%). Urinary tract infection (AOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.13– 4.34), history of abortion (AOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.002– 3.78), and twin pregnancy (AOR 6.34, 95% CI 1.84– 11.83) were associated with low birth weight. Premature rupture of membrane (AOR 2.87 95% CI 1.31– 6.28), history of abortion (AOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.20– 4.61), and instrumental delivery (AOR 5.25, 95% CI 1.65– 16.71) were associated with neonatal sepsis. Male sex (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.45– 5.34), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.13– 6.60), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR 3.24, 95% CI 1.03– 10.20), and premature rupture of membrane (AOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.23– 6.24) were associated with prematurity. Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight, prematurity, and neonatal sepsis was high, but neonatal hypoglycemia was low. Urinary tract infection, history of abortion, and twin pregnancy were associated with low birth weight. Premature rupture of membrane, history of abortion, and instrumental delivery were associated with neonatal sepsis. Male sex, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, and premature ruptures of membrane were associated with prematurity. Keywords: admission diagnosis, discriminant analysis, Ethiopia, neonatal admission, neonate