Magnitude of Neonatal Near Miss and Associated Factors in Hospitals of South West Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Every year, almost 30 million neonates worldwide require hospitalization as a result of life-threatening situations. Neonatal mortality rate occurrences can have long-term negative impacts on a child's and their family's health, well-being, and lifespan. Ethiopia has made efforts to increase infant survival, although the rate of neonatal death remains high.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of neonatal near-misses and related variables in South West Shoa Zone hospitals in Central Ethiopia in 2022. Methods: From September 9 to November 8, 2022, an institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Southwest Shoa Zone. Three hundred fifty-six mothers and their corresponding newborns were carefully chosen, and the interviewer delivered a structured questionnaire along with a review of the mothers' and newborns' medical records to gather the data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the factors linked to neonatal near misses. Findings: The neonatal near-miss had a magnitude of 29.2% (95% CI = 24.47%, 33.96%). Pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR: 3.07; 1.15, 8.14), non-vertex presentation (AOR = 5.27; 1.83, 15.16), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR = 5.28; 1.72, 16.18), premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 4.03; 1.88, 8.64), inadequate prenatal care visit (AOR = 2.66; 1.49, 4.76), and cesarean section delivery (AOR = 2.96; 1.28, 3.87) were found to be significant predictors of neonatal near miss. Conclusion: According to this study, almost three out of ten newborns born in hospitals have a neonatal near-miss that is influenced by multiple factors. To lower neonatal near misses, it is crucial to improve prenatal care visits and to identify and treat obstetric issues early.