Tewodros Seyum and Erekia Ebrahim
Introduction: Hypothermia is highly prevalent and a major contributor of neonatal morbidity and mortality, even in warmer tropical countries. Neonatal hypothermia is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for new-born survival in Ethiopia. It is crucial and effective to reduce perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the proportion of neonatal hypothermia and associated factors among new-borns at Gondar University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2014.
Methods: Across sectional study was carried out from September to October 2014 at Gondar University teaching and referral Hospital. A total of 421 new-borns delivered in the hospital were included using systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by Statistical package for social science version 20. P-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant association.
Result: The proportion of hypothermia in the study area was found to be 69.8%. Low birth weight (AOR=3.75, 95%CI: 1.29, 10.88), no skin to skin contact (AOR=2.81, 95%CI: 1.40, 5.66), night time delivery (AOR=6.61, 95%CI: 3.75, 11.66), delayed initiation of breast feeding (AOR=7.58, 95%CI: 3.61, 15.91) and problems of the neonates (AOR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.06, 9.46) were significantly associated with hypothermia.
Conclusion: In this study the proportion of hypothermia among new-borns was found to be high. Low birth weight, no skin to skin contact, night time delivery, delayed initiation of breast feeding and problem of neonate were significantly associated with hypothermia. Therefore, attention is needed Improve basic routine practice such as warm environment, early breast feed and skin to skin contact by health care providers.