The role of the season at admission in neonatal sepsis: a retrospective chart review of a 1-year data at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis is a global public health concern in general and causes a massive burden in developing countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Though it is mostly preventable, neonatal sepsis remained the leading cause of mortality in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the current proportion and identify factors associated with neonatal sepsis to suggest directions. RESULTS: In this study 504 randomly selected neonatal charts were reviewed. The proportion of overall neonatal sepsis was 63.69% (95% CI 59.38, 67.79), where early-onset sepsis was 59.33% (95% CI 54.96, 63.55) and late-onset sepsis was 4.17% (95% CI 2.73, 6.31). Maternal intra-partum fever, season of birth and admission, vaginal mode of delivery and preterm gestational age at birth increased the likelihood of overall and early-onset neonatal sepsis. In conclusion of this study, neonatal sepsis remaining the leading cause of morbidity among younger infants. Intra-partum conditions were major contributors to neonatal sepsis. Thus, providing emphasis on associated factors in particular and universal safe obstetric care in general is recommended.