ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictors of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) among neonates in Dodoma Tanzania. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study of randomly selected 105 cases and 217 controls in three hospitals in Dodoma region. Cases were neonates diagnosed with neonatal sepsis. Controls were matched to the cases by mother's age and parity at a ratio of 1 case to 2 controls. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the potential mother, neonate and interventional predictors of EONS. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were employed to test for independent association. RESULTS: Most (92.5%) of neonates were born at term (≥37 weeks) and 84% had normal birth weight of ≥3 kg. After adjusting for confounders, the maternal factors which showed significant association with EONS were maternal history of chorioamnionitis [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 1.910, p = 0.042, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0223.56], HIV status (AOR = 2.909, p = 0.012, 95% CI: 1.020-8.296), prolonged rupture of membrane (AOR = 2.857, p = 0.014, 95% CI: 1.233-6.619) and multiple digital vaginal examinations during labor (AOR = 5.178, p = 0.026, 95% CI: 1.220-21.986). The neonatal history of perinatal asphyxia was observed to have a significant association with EONS (AOR = 6.781, p = 0.006, 95% CI: 1.725-26.652). CONCLUSION: Both maternal and neonatal predictors had significant contribution to EONS. Results shed light on critical factors for consideration to prevent this disease and poor outcomes.
