PROFILE AND RISK FACTORS FOR UNFAVORABLE OUTCOMES AMONG PRETERM NEWBORNS HOSPITALIZED AT THE CHAD–CHINA FRIENDSHIP HOSPITAL, N'DJAMENA

Introduction: Prematurity remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource countries. The objective of this study was to describe the profile and identify risk factors for unfavorable outcomes among preterm newborns. Patients and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted from February to August 2023, including all preterm newborns hospitalized during the study period. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and outcome data were analyzed. An unfavorable outcome was defined as death, occurrence of a major complication, or hospital stay longer than 14 days. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The incidence of prematurity was 8.4% of neonatal admissions. Overall neonatal mortality was 14.1%. The mean gestational age was 33.8 ± 2.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1,960 ± 650 g. Unfavorable outcomes occurred in 35.9% of newborns. The main associated factors were gestational age <34 weeks (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.5–11.7), birth weight <1500 g (aOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3–10.9), and hypothermia at admission (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1–7.6). Conclusion: Prematurity remains a major contributor to neonatal mortality. Strengthening prevention strategies and improving clinical management are essential to reduce mortality.