Neonatal mortality and associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Globally one out of ten babies born are preterm. Preterm neonates have many morbidities and high risk of mortality. Although modifiable risk factors and cost-effective interventions exist, data on preterm neonatal mortality in Somali region is lacking. The study aimed to assess neonatal mortality and associated factors among preterm neonates admitted to Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Somali, Eastern Ethiopia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February 09, 2024 to February 07, 2026 at Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. All 440 preterm neonates who were admitted during the study period were included. Data was entered into epidata 7.2.7.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Multicollinearity was assessed by variation inflation factor and it was < 4. The model fitness was evaluated using hosmer lemeshow test and its P-value was 0.53. Statistical significance was declared with a P-value < 0.05. The magnitude of preterm neonatal mortality was 30.3% (95% CI: 25.9 to 34.8). Birth weight < 1500gram (AOR = 3.23;95% CI :1.65–6.32), 5th minute APGAR < 7(AOR = 4.09;95% CI :1.42–11.75) ,hypothermia during hospital stay(AOR = 5.09; 95% CI: 2.50-10.36), resuscitation at birth(AOR = 0.28;95% CI :0.09–0.87),kangaroo mother care (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI:0.09–0.32) and feeding initiation within 24 h (AOR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.10–0.37) were significantly associated factors. In this study, mortality among preterm neonates was high. Therefore, proper labor follow up, resuscitation at birth, preventing and treating hypothermia, KMC and early feeding initiation should be implemented.In addition prospective, multicenter studies should be conducted.