Factors Associated with Neonatal Mortality at Kyeshero Hospital, Goma, North Kivu, DRC

Author(s): Endanda Zawadi E, Imani musimwa P, Tshivwadi Tshilomba A, Tongota NJ, Kambale Wasukundi J, Kyembwa Mwindulwa L, Buhoro Baabo G, Mumbere Hangi S, Musafiri Mugisho A, Masumbuko mungo B, Kabamba Nzaji M*, Mutombo Malangu A, Bitwe Mihanda R, Luboya Numbi Oscar

Background: The neonatal mortality rate is still significant public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa countries and an indicator of the quality of prenatal and perinatal care. This study aimed to determine the neonatal intra-hospital neonatal mortality rate and the maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with neonatal mortality in Kyeshero Hospital.

Methods: This research was a cross-sectional analytical study, which took place over a period of 12 months, from January 1 to December 31, 2021, at Kyeshero Hospital in Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Results: The Intra-hospital neonatal mortality rate was 17.0 %. The multivariate analysis showed various risk factors associated with newborns that low birth weight <2500gr ORa=4.11 (2.17-7.77), Presence of cyanosis ORa=3.88 (1.97-7.65) , absence of reactivity ORa=20.07 (8.07-49.55), and neonatal infection ORa=4.78 (2.47-9.22) are real predictor factors of neonatal mortality.

Conclusion: This study noted that neonatal mortality was influenced by neonatal factors. Proper care of the newborn should improve neonatal vital prognosis. The study of preventable causes of death and factors that lead to early neonatal death is fundamental to reduce infant mortality rate in the world.