Abstract:

Background: Prematurity, birth asphyxia and infections are the leading causes of neonatal mortality globally. This study was conducted to determine the mortality and associated factors among premature neonates at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza-Tanzania.

Methods: One hundred and three premature neonates delivered at Bugando Medical Centre and other health facilities but referred to Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) were recruited for this study between February and May, 2012. Questionnaires were used to obtain clinical and demographic data from neonates and their mothers.
Neonates were followed up for seven days to determine complications and mortality.

Results: Neonatal mortality within seven days of life was noted to be 39.4% (39/99).At least one episode of hypothermia was noted in 43/99 (43.4%), 37/99 (37.4%) hadrespiratory distress syndrome and 32/99 (32.3%) had infection. Significantly higher mortality was noted in neonates born to younger mothers (p=0.02) and those
with primary education level (p< 0.047). Mortality was significantly lower for twin neonates (p=0.001) and those delivered by caesarean section (p=0.013).Among the independent predictors of mortality noted in this study were extremely low birth weight (ELBW)[OR 24; 95% CI 4.6-125.8 (p < 0.01)] and presence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) [OR 31.5; 95% CI 6.5-152.6 (p < 0.001)].

Conclusions: High mortality was noted among premature neonates in the first week of life. Maternal age, extremely low-birth weight and presence of RDS were noted to be predicators of mortality.