Abstract:
Background: Weight gain is the most frequently used clinical sign of neonatal growth. Preterm neonates should gain 15-20g/kg/d of body weight on average after experiencing physiological weight loss in the first week of life. The high burden of poor neonatal growth is a result of inadequate newborn care and comorbidity. As a result, poor weight gain neonates have higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Despite several therapies being tried to improve preterm newborn feeding, weight gain remains challenging. But, the studies on magnitude of poor weight gain and its factors among preterm neonate are limited in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess magnitude of poor weight gain and associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Public Hospitals in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in West Shewa Zone from January 23 to May 23, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 212 preterm neonates. Data were collected by Kobo Tool Box android version. The weight of selected neonates was taken from patient card daily record of three consecutive days. Data were 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 at 95% CI and AOR were used to declare associated factors.
Results: The study revealed that 78.3% (95% CI: 72, 83.7) of preterm neonates experienced poor weight gain. Being from primipara mothers (AOR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.05, 6.26), not getting kangaroo mother care (AOR=3.36, 95%CI: 1.20, 9.40), neonatal hypothermia (AOR=4.02, 95%CI: 1.07, 11.17) and mothers poor knowledge on preterm feeding (AOR=2.98, 95%CI: 1.24, 7.18) were significantly associated with preterm neonate’s poor weight gain.
Conclusion & recommendations: Addressing the identified factors, such as creating awareness for primipara mothers, encouraging KMC practices, preventing neonatal hypothermia and mother’s good knowledge on preterm feeding are crucial for improving weight gain outcomes in preterm neonates. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize interventions aimed at optimizing weight gain in preterm neonates
