Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a metabolic problem characterized by a decrease in
blood glucose. It is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and has multi-associated factors
for neonatal hypoglycemia. However, there is a limited study on the prevalence and factors
associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in the study area.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal
hypoglycemia among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Northwest
Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.
Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 497 neonates
admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Northwest Amhara Region Comprehensive
Specialized Hospitals from October 3, 2022–November 3, 2022. A systematic random
sampling technique was employed to select study participants. The data were collected
through maternal interviews using structured questionnaires and neonatal chart reviews using
checklists. Finally, the data was entered into Epi-Data version 4.6.0.6 and analyzed by
STATA version 14.0 Software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables. Both
the bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression models were used for analysis. AOR
and 95% CI were used to measure association and strength, with statistical significance
assessed at a p-value <0.05
Results: The prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia in the study area was 27.2% with 95%CI
(23.4 - 31.4%).In this study variables such as maternal age 20-35 years [(AOR:0.35,( 95%CI:
0.167-0.73)], preterm birth [(AOR=2.60, 95%CI: 1.07 - 6.36)], low birth weight [(AOR:3.07,
95%CI:1.26-7.46)] and hypothermia [(AOR:2.58, 95%CI: 1.27 - 5.23)], were factors
associated with neonatal hypoglycemia
Conclusions and recommendations: The prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia in
Northwest Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospital’s neonatal intensive care
unit is relatively high. Preterm, low birth weight and hypothermia were significant factors for
neonatal hypoglycemia. It is better for neonatal care providers in the neonatal intensive care
units to prioritize newborns that are premature or have a low birth weight and to follow the
warm chain protocol.
Keywords: Hypoglycemia, NICU, Prevalence
