Magnitude of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and Associated Factors Among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia; 2023

<i>Background:</i> Meconium aspiration syndrome is a serious, potentially fatal condition that affects newborns with a high morbidity and mortality and continues to be a major contributor to neonatal respiratory distress, often resulting in respiratory failure and even death. Globally, around 4–22% of all births have meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and in 3-12% of those infants delivered eventually acquire meconium aspiration syndrome. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the magnitude of meconium aspiration syndrome and associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of public hospital in Arsi zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023. <i>Methods:</i> An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data among 345 participants from June 30 to August 30, 2023 in selected public hospitals of Arsi zone. The data was gathered through caregiver interviews and chart review. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. The collected data was entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25. To analyze the data, first bivariable, then multivariable logistic regression model was used and those variables with p < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The model of fitness was tested using the Hosmer-Lemesho goodness of fit. <i>Result:</i> The magnitude of meconium aspiration syndrome in this study was found to be 26.0%. Post-term (AOR=3.34 95% CI (1.41, 7.98)), Antepartum hemorrhage (AOR=7.72 95% CI (2.82, 21.15)), Preeclampsia (AOR=6.55 95% CI (2.63, 16.29)), Premature rupture of membrane (AOR=2.41 95% CI (1.32, 4.41)), First minute Apgar score < 7 (AOR=2.69 95% CI (1.36, 5.33)) were found to be significantly associated with meconium aspiration syndrome. <i>Conclusion:</i> The magnitude of meconium aspiration was moderate as compared to previous study. Post term, Antepartum hemorrhage, Preeclampsia, Premature rupture of membrane, First minute APGAR score < 7 were significantly associated with meconium aspiration syndrome. Therefore, early diagnoses and management of those factors are important for reducing the occurrences of meconium aspiration syndrome.