Risk factors for neonatal mortality at Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta

Abstract

Background Neonatal mortality remains a major concern in
developing countries. Identifying potential risk factors is important
in order to decrease the neonatal mortality rate. In Moewardi
Hospital, Surakarta, the risk factors for neonatal mortality have
not been assessed.
Objective To evaluate potential risk factors of n eonatal
mortality.
Methods We reviewed medical records of all neonates hospitalized
in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Dr. Moewardi
Hospital from January to December 2011. Analyzed variables were
sex, birth weight, gestational age, maternal age, place of delivery,
mode of delivery, and sepsis. Data were analyzed by Chi square and
binary logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results Out of841 neonates, the mortality rate was 212 (25.2%).
Univariate logistic regression revealed that the significant risk
factors for neonatal mortality were preterm (OR 4.41 ; 95%CI
4.24 to 4.57; P=0.0001) , low bir th weight (OR 4.30; 95%CI
4.13 to 4.47; P=0.0001), sepsis (OR 2.99; 95%CI 2.81 to 3.17;
P=0.0001), maternal age 2:35 years (OR 1.53; 95%CI 1.37 to
1.70), and non-spontaneous delivery (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.50 to
1.84). Further multivariate regression analysis revealed that the
significant risk factors were preterm (OR 2.2 7; 95%CI 2.05 to 2.48;
P=0.0001), low birth weight (OR 2.49; 95%CI 2.27 to 2.71; P=
0.0001), and sepsis (OR 2.50; 95%CI 2.30 to 2.69; P= 0.0001).
Conclusion The risk factors for neonatal mortality in the NICU
are preterm, low birth weight, and sepsis.