Abstract:
Background: Neonatal mortality is a significant challenge in developed and developing Countries
with varying burdens and predictors across different countries and regions. Consequently,
gaining a clear understanding of the problem in relation early detection of risk factors for
neonatal deaths and timely intervention within the first few days of admission amoung premature
birth,low birth weight, birth complication, congenital condition and infections.
Objective: To assess time to death and its predictors of among neonates who were admitted to
NICU West Shoa Zone public Hospitals, central Ethiopia, from April 18, 2023 to December 31,
2024.
Methods: An institution-based prospective follow-up study design was conducted among 513
neonates selected by systematic sampling between 18 April and 31 December 2023. Statistical
software, Epi Data version 4.1 and Stata version 14.2 was used for entry and analysis,
respectively. Proportional hazard assumption and model fitness were checked by the Schoenfeld
residual test and the Cox-Snell residual test, respectively. Descriptive statistics, the Kaplan–
Meier curve, and The Cox regression analysis model was fitted to identify the predictors of
neonatal death
Results: In this study 102 (20.8% (95CI:17.22- 24.32))) neonates died during 4202 person days,
yielding an incidence rates of 24.27((95CI:19.99- 29.47) per 1000 person days. The median
survival time was 24 days. The top causes of neonatal death were prematurity complications,
asphyxia, sepsis, meconium aspiration syndrome, and perinatal asphyxia. ANC follow up (AHR
2.06: 95% CI: 1.4–3.09), 1st minutes Apgar score (AHR 1.5: (95% CI: 1.01–2.24)), Maternal
chronic disease (AHR 3.3 :(( 95 CI: 2.1–5.05)), and Premature birth (AHR 1.7: (95% CI: 1.1–
2.62) were independent predictors time to death.
Conclusion: The incidence of neonatal mortality rate was high, Early identification, of maternal
chronic disease, premature birth, birth asphyxia could be managed and strict follow is suggested.
Keywords: neonate, neonatal mortality, time to death, neonatal intensive care unit, Ethiopia
