DETERMINANTS OF NEONATAL HYPOGLYCEMIA AMONG NEONATES ADMITTED TO NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN WOLAITA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2023: UNMATCHED CASE CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: - Globally, neonatal hypoglycemia is a common child health problem and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and its impact is detrimental in developing countries like Ethiopia. Although being a prevalent metabolic condition, it is frequently overlooked. Furthermore, the problem is not adequately studied in Ethiopia as seen by a few of published studies on the topic, which highlights the lack of knowledge about its determinants. Objective: - To assess the determinants of neonatal hypoglycemia among neonates admitted to NICU at public hospitals in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. Methods: - An institution based unmatched case-control study design was conducted among 249 (83 cases and 166 controls). Data were collected from March 29 to May 23, 2023, using pretested chart review extraction tool/checklist. A consecutive sampling method was used for participant selection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of neonatal hypoglycemia and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. Result: - A total of 83 cases and 166 controls were included in the study. Neonates who were preterm [AOR 4.888 (1.113, 21.478)], age of the neonate at admission between 3-5 hours [AOR 4.205 (1.852, 9.547)], hypothermia [AOR 5.485 (2.360, 12.748)], initiation of breastfeeding after one hour [AOR 6.229 (2.665, 14.599)], mode of delivery [AOR 5.034 (1.688, 15.011)], and small for gestational age [AOR 3.645 (1.286, 10.330)] were significantly associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in the study area. Conclusion and Recommendation: - In the current study, numerous determinants of neonatal hypoglycemia have been identified. Prematurity, age of the neonate at admission, hypothermia, and initiation of breast-feeding, mode of delivery and small for gestational age were significantly associated. Hence, mothers should receive health education on breastfeeding practices, preventive measures, and risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia. Additionally, health professionals should work on preventive measures. Furthermore, additional research on a large sample size and with follow up study that take into account the limitations of this study are recommended