Predictors of Survival of Preterm Newborns Admitted in Neonatology Unit at University the Teaching Hospital of Butare, Rwanda

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm delivery is a global challenge and we are still observing deaths from preterm newborns in developing counties including Rwanda. There is paucity of data about predictors of survival (defined as being discharged alive from the study hospital) of preterm newborns in Rwanda and no data available for referral hospitals. 

This study was aimed to determine survival of preterm newborns and its predictors in neonatology unit of University Teaching Hospital, a referral hospital in Rwanda. 

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods. Data were collected during one-year period since July 2019 till June 2020, 401 participants have been admitted during the study period, and 17 participants have been excluded due to missing data. Data have been entered into excel, then imported into SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics has been done by computing prevalence, binary and then multiple logistic regression has been used to assess the predictors of survival, the significance of predictors was reported with adjusted odd ratio and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. 

Results: Survival of preterm newborns was 96%. Gestational age and crying immediately at birth were significantly associated with survival of preterm newborns (p= 0.004). Crying immediately at birth were significantly associated with survival of preterm newborns (p= 0.001), and time to death (aHR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.37, p<0.001). Number of antenatal care (ANC) visits significantly associated with time to death (aHR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.78, p=0.02). 

Conclusion: These findings show a high survival rate and identified gestational age, crying at birth, and ANC visits as the predictors of survival and time to death. Therefore, measures and strategies targeting these predictors, involving CHUB leadership and partners are recommended.