Magnitude Of Thrombocytopenia And Its Associated Factors Among Neonates Admitted To Neonatal Intensive Care Units In Ambo Town Public Hospitals, West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count below the lower limit of the normal range (<150 × 103 /ml and thrombocytes are colorless blood cells that help blood clot. Thrombocytopenia affects 1-5% of all neonates globally, with the highest prevalence in NICU. The Magnitude varies, with severe cases ranging from 2 to 25%. In addition, its high prevalence, it can worsen morbidity and lengthen hospital stays. Identifying factors associated with thrombocytopenia can enhance prognosis and reduce bleeding. Objective: To assess the magnitude of thrombocytopenia and its associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units at Ambo Town public hospitals, Oromia Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at NICUs of Ambo town public hospitals from January 31, 2024 to April 31, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 330 neonates. Data were collected by interviewing mothers and reviewing neonates' medical records. The data were collected using the Kobo Tool box android version and exported to SPSS V 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. Hosmer and Lemeshow test checked the model fitness. Variables with P-value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis was declared as statistically significant. Adjusted odd ratio along with 95% CI was used to show strength of association. Multi collinearity was checked by variance inflation factor (VIF) and no strong multi collinearity was identified. Results: The study revealed that 47.94 % (95% CI:(42.3, 53.6) of neonates had thrombocytopenia. Neonatal Sepsis (AOR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.04, 3.04), Perinatal Asphyxia (AOR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.16, 3.87), Birth weight less than 2500g (AOR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.10, 4.31) and Gestational age less than 37weeks (AOR=2.486, 95%CI: 1.13, 5.44) were significantly associated with neonatal thrombocytopenia. Conclusion and Recommendation: The magnitude of neonatal thrombocytopenia among neonates admitted to NICUs was slightly higher than global prevalence. Addressing the identified factors such as preventing and treating neonatal sepsis, preventing birth asphyxia, normal birth weight and appropriate gestational age are crucial for alleviating neonatal thrombocytopenia.