High Magnitude of Neonatal Anemia Among Sick Newborns Admitted to University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Anemia is a global health problem that affects all ages, particularly children under five years. If not treated early, childhood anemia results in impaired growth, delayed cognitive development, and organ dysfunction. There is a scarcity of studies on the prevalence of anemia among hospitalized sick neonates, especially in developing countries.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among hospitalized sick newborns at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH).

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among admitted newborns from June 1 to September 30, 2020. All newborns whose gestational age (GA) ≥28 weeks and postnatal age ≤28 days, admitted to UOGCSH during the study period were included in the study. Data were collected by pediatric residents and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors with neonatal anemia. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

During the study period, 272 newborns were enrolled. The mean hemoglobin value was 15.74 ± 4.27 gm/dL. The prevalence of neonatal anemia in the study population was 30.1% (95% CI: 24.6–35.7). Neonatal age >7 days (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.86–10.5), maternal anemia (AOR = 9.93, 95% CI: 4.36–21.6), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.54–10. 7), being multiple births (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI: 1.73–12.8), subgaleal hemorrhage (AOR = 7.56, 95%: 1.87–30.6), and hyperbilirubinemia (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.58–9.31) were associated with neonatal anemia.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The prevalence of anemia among hospitalized newborns was high. The current study recommends that healthcare providers should screen anemia among sick newborns who had risk factors. Prevention of maternal anemia and early treatment of obstetric complications will reduce the burden of anemia in sick neonates.

Keywords:

• newborns
• neonatal anemia
• associated factors
• Ethiopia

Abbreviations

ANC, antenatal care; AOR, adjusted odds ratio; APH, antepartum hemorrhage; COR, crude odd ratio; C/S, cesarean section; GA, gestational age; MRN, medical registration number; NICU, neonatal intensive unit; LBW, low birth weight; RDS, respiratory distress syndrome; UOGCSH, University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital.

Data Sharing Statement

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The authors like to acknowledge the study participants, data collectors, colleagues, and the University of Gondar. The authors also like to thank Mr Getayeneh Antehunegn, Dr Alemayehu Teklu, and Dr Rishi Mediratta for their outstanding support during statistical analysis, drafting of the manuscript, and editing language respectively.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no funds for this work.