Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Weight gain in the neonatal period starts after first week of life, and most newborns
gain
weight
at
a
similar
manner.
Although
clinical
guidelines
state
that
preterm
neonates
gain
weight
at
15-20
grams
per
kilo
gram
per
day,
weight
gain
in
different
circumstances
is
not
well
understood.
In
low-
and
middle-income
countries,
the
burden
of
poor
neonatal
growth
is
high
and
weight
gain
of
preterm
neonates
in
the
neonatal
intensive
care
units
is
influenced
by
different
factors.
Objective: To assess weight gain status and associated factors among preterm neonates
admitted to neonatal intensive care units in comprehensive specialized hospitals of Amhara
region, Ethiopia, 2022
Methods: Institution based cross sectional study among 363 preterm neonates in neonatal
intensive care units of comprehensive specialized hospitals of Amhara region was employed
from October 1 to November 10/2022. Data were collected by using Kobo Tool Box prepared
data collection sheets and questionnaire. Weight of selected neonates was recorded daily for
three consecutive days. Stata version 16 was used, and descriptive results are presented using
tables, figures, and texts. Weight gain status of preterm neonates was determined as poor and
adequate weight gain. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was performed. P value < 0.05 at
95% CI and AOR were used to declare associations with the dependent variable.
Result: A total of 363 preterm neonates paired with their mothers were included in this study
and the response rate was 99%. The proportion of preterm neonates with poor weight gain in
the neonatal intensive care units was 80.8% (95% CI, 76.74, 84.91), and the following variables
were significantly associated; older maternal age AOR = 2.83 (95% CI, 1.23, 6.25), delayed
starting of enteral feeding AOR = 3.76 (95% CI, 1.50, 9.42), not getting kangaroo mother care
AOR = 3.08 (95% CI, 1.28, 7.43) and no or only one antenatal care visits AOR = 5.69 (95%
CI, 1.27, 26.01) and AOR 5.8 (95% CI 1.30, 25.54) respectively.
Conclusion & recommendation: The proportion of preterm neonates with poor weight gain
was very high. Older maternal age, less than two antenatal care visits, delayed starting of enteral
feeding and not getting kangaroo mother care were significantly associated variables.
Kangaroo mother care practices for preterm neonates and monitoring early enteral feedings
may help in maintaining weight gain of preterm neonates during hospitalization.
Key words: Preterm neonates, Weight gain, NICU, Amhara region, Ethiopia
