Preterm Survival and Factors Associated with Their Outcome at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, North-Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth is a leading cause of under-five mortality and places considerable medical and financial strain on families and health systems. Survival rates remain low in resource-limited settings and vary across locations.
Aim: This study assessed survival rates and factors affecting outcomes among preterm admissions at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of MAUTH, Yola. It involved the review of case notes of preterm babies admitted between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2023.

Result: Of 2,059 newborn admissions, 589 (28.6%) were preterm, and 542 (26.3%) met inclusion criteria. There were 256 (47.2%) males and 286 (52.8%) females (male-to-female ratio: 0.9:1). Survival was lowest among extremely low birth weight infants (12.2%) and extreme preterm babies (12.5%).
Birth weight, gestational age, and place of birth were significantly associated with survival (P < 0.0001). Strong predictors of survival were birth weight (AOR = 7.61; 95% CI = 2.51–23.08; P < 0.001) and place of birth (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.30–4.48; P = 0.005).
Conclusion:
Prematurity contributes significantly to neonatal admissions and mortality in our facility. Decreasing gestational age, extremely low birth weight, and being
outborn are associated with reduced survival in the studied population. To improve outcomes, a well-equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and targeted interventions like antenatal corticosteroid, use of Surfactant, and Caffeine citrate are recommended.