Abstract

Globally early-onset neonatal sepsis is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and
mortality among neonates. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of
early-onset neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among neonates admitted to the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Hoima regional referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study where
in-depth interviewing of caregivers of infants diagnosed with early onset neonatal sepsis using
IMCI was tallied and then put in frequencies and percentages. 156 neonates and their mothers
were enrolled into the study. Using Microsoft Excel 2021 data was coded and encoded and
presented in tables and charts. In the study, 156 neonates were enrolled into the study.
60(39.1%) had early-onset neonatal sepsis. Maternal factors contributing to neonatal sepsis
were PROM (70.00%), UTIs (60.00%), ANC attendance less than three times (64.29%), parity of
more than 3(46.07%), meconium staining (59.38%), more than 4 vaginal Examination during
labour (54.27%) and delivery by cesarean section (52.38%). The neonatal factors contributing to
neonatal sepsis were; an APGAR score of less than 7(48.75%), gestational age of less than 37
weeks (42.86%), birth weight of less than 2.50kg (42.16%), positive history of being
resuscitated at birth (47.50%), and being diagnosed on their 0-4 days (47.13%). The prevalence
of early-onset neonatal sepsis in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital is still high. Maternal
history of PROM, UTI, attended antenatal visit less than thrice, more than 4 vaginal
examinations, delivered by cesarean section, meconium staining and parity of more than 3
were associated with early onset neonatal sepsis. Neonatal factors associated with early onset
neonatal sepsis are an Apgar score of less than 7, gestational age of less than 37 weeks, Birth
weight of less than 2.50kg, positive history of being resuscitated at birth, and age of 0-4 days.