FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEONATAL SEPSIS AMONG NEONATES AT KISENYI HEALTH CENTRE IV IN KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Neonatal sepsis is a systemic bacterial illness that affects neonates under the age of 28 days with or without bacteremia and in Uganda, 18.2% of the 19 per 1000 neonatal deaths are contributed by neonatal sepsis affecting the progress in improving maternal and child health. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors associated with neonatal sepsis among neonates in Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala District.

 Methods

The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design that used quantitative data collection methods. A simple random sampling method was used to select 40 respondents. Data was analyzed and presented using Microsoft Excel 2013 that presented it in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, and graphs.

 Findings

The findings of the study on maternal factors associated with neonatal sepsis were; that 70% had never attended antenatal care, 80% had untreated UTI during pregnancy and 60% had bathed the baby with herbs. Neonate-related factors included; 60% had babies born before 8 months and 70% had second to fifth order. Health facility–related factors; 60% had more than three vaginal examinations, 70% had not received antibiotics before delivery and 90% reported that wards were congested.

 Conclusion

The study concluded that factors associated with neonatal sepsis were maternal factors, neonate-related, and health facility-related factors. Therefore, health education on appropriate neonatal care practices and adjustment of the quality of maternal and neonatal care practices should be done to reduce incidences of neonatal sepsis.

 Recommendations

Ministry of Health should offer refresher training to health workers regarding the management of mothers in labor like avoiding unnecessary vaginal examinations. Furthermore, antibiotics should be supplied to health facilities to ensure routine provision among neonates.