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

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.