Incidence of Respiratory distress and its predictors among neonates admitted at neonatal intensive care unit, Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2018

Abstract

Abstract Background Although Respiratory distress is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality throughout the globe, it is a serious concern more of in resource limited nations, like Ethiopia. Besides, few studies are available in developing countries. Data from different settings is needed to tackle it. Therefore, we intended to assess the incidence and predictors of respiratory distress among neonates who were admitted in neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) at Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods Institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 571 neonates from January 2013 to March 2018. Data were collected by reviewing patients chart using systematic sampling technique with a pretested checklist; entered using Epi-data 4.2 and analyzed with STATA 14. Median time, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation curve and Log-rank test were computed. Bivariable and multivariable Gompertz parametric hazards models were fitted to detect the determinant of respiratory distress. Hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated. Variables with reported p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The proportion of respiratory distress among of neonates admitted in Black Lion specialized hospital neonatal intensive care unit was 42.9 % (95%CI: 39.3-46.1%) with incidence of 8.1/100(95%CI: 7.3, 8.9)).Being male [AHR=2.4 (95%CI:1.1,3.1)], neonates born via caesarean section [AHR:1,.9((95%CI:1.6,2.3)], home delivery [AHR :2.9 (95%CI:1.5, 5,2)], maternal diabetes mellitus [AHR 2.3(95%CI: 1.4, 3.6)], preterm birth [AHR:2.9(95%CI:1.6, 5.1)] and APGAR score less than 7 [AHR: 3.1 (95%CI:1.8,5.0)] were found to be significant predictors of respiratory distress. Conclusions The incidence of respiratory distress among neonates was found to be high. Those neonates delivered at home, delivered through caesarean section, preterm neonates, whose APGAR score<7, and born from diabetic mothers were more likely to develop respiratory distress. All concerned bodies should work on preventing RD and give special attention for multifactorial cause of it. Thus; it is indicated to promote health institutional delivery more. Besides, a need to establish and/or strengthen strategies to prevent the occurrence of respiratory distress among babies with low APGAR score, preterm babies, born from diabetes mellitus mothers, and delivered through caesarean section.