Abstract

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a widespread and significant clinical problem among neonates worldwide. Globally, every year about 1.1 million babies develop it and the vast majority reside in South Asia and sub- Saharan Africa. Studies on magnitude and factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are limited in Ethiopia. So this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among hospitalized neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit of Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Jimma, South West Ethiopia.

Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at JMC from July 24 to October 19, 2020. A total of two hundred twenty-two neonates with their mothers were included and conveniently selected. Data was collected by interviewing mothers through structured questionnaires and reviewing neonates’ medical records using a checklist. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Results: From a total of neo-maternal pairs included in the studies; the proportion of Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was found to be 94(42.3%). Neo-maternal ABO incompatibility 33 (35.1%), prematurity41 (43.6%), sepsis 35 (37.2%), Neonatal birth asphyxia 20 (21.2%), and Rh isoimmunisation 10 (10.6%) was significantly associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the study setting was high. Antenatal care (including both mother and fetus detail examination and follow-ups) as well cautions during labor need to focus since Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia-associated factors were maternal and neonatal. Hence, further assessment, early intervention, and timely treatment are important to mitigate the burdens in neonates due to hyperbilirubinemia.