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. 2024 Aug;131(Suppl 3):101-112.
doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17824. Epub 2024 Apr 11.

Prevalence, perinatal outcomes and factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Nigeria

Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu  1   2 , Uchenna Ekwochi  3 , Ijeoma Obumneme-Anyim  4 , Linda Nneka Nwokeji-Onwe  5 , George Uchenna Eleje  6   7 , Nnabuike Okechukwu Ojiegbe  8 , Ifeanyichukwu Uzoma Ezebialu  9 , Eziamaka Pauline Ezenkwele  10 , Emily Akuabia Nzeribe  11 , Uchenna Anthony Umeh  10 , Innocent Anayochukwu Ugwu  12 , Ogochukwu Chianakwana  13 , Nkechi Theresa Ibekwe  13 , Onyebuchi Ignatius Ezeaku  14 , Gloria Nwuka Ekweagu  14 , Abraham Bong Onwe  15 , Tina Lavin  16 , Bose Ezekwe  17 , Eugenia Settecase  18 , Jamilu Tukur  19 , Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu  6   7
Affiliations

Prevalence, perinatal outcomes and factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Nigeria

Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu et al. BJOG. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence, perinatal outcomes and factors associated with neonatal sepsis in referral-level facilities across Nigeria.

Design: Secondary analysis of data from the Maternal and Perinatal Database for Quality, Equity and Dignity Programme in 54 referral-level hospitals across Nigeria.

Setting: Records covering the period from 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020.

Population: Mothers admitted for birth during the study period, and their live newborns.

Methods: Analysis of prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with neonatal sepsis and perinatal outcomes. Multilevel logistic regression modelling identified factors associated with neonatal sepsis.

Main outcome measures: Neonatal sepsis and perinatal outcomes.

Results: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 16.3 (95% CI 15.3-17.2) per 1000 live births (1113/68 459) with a 10.3% (115/1113) case fatality rate. Limited education, unemployment or employment in sales/trading/manual jobs, nulliparity/grand multiparity, chronic medical disorder, lack of antenatal care (ANC) or ANC outside the birthing hospital and referral for birth increased the odds of neonatal sepsis. Birthweight of <2500 g, non-spontaneous vaginal birth, preterm birth, prolonged rupture of membranes, APGAR score of <7 at 5 min, birth asphyxia, birth trauma or jaundice were associated with neonatal sepsis. Neonates with sepsis were more frequently admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (1037/1110, 93.4% vs 8237/67 346, 12.2%) and experienced a higher rate of death (115/1113, 10.3% vs 933/67 343, 1.4%).

Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis remains a critical challenge in neonatal care, underscored by its high prevalence and mortality rate. The identification of maternal and neonatal risk factors underscores the importance of improved access to education and employment for women and targeted interventions in antenatal and intrapartum care.

Keywords: case fatality; neonatal death; perinatal infection; referral status; under‐five deaths.

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References

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