Prevalence of pneumonia and associated risk factors among neonates in selected Health Centre IVs in Wakiso district from February 2024 to June 2024

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia remains a significant problem especially among neonates in health centre IVs which barely have NICUs in place. Whereas the MOH has implemented the Integrated Community Case Management on three killer diseases i.e. pneumonia in all districts, the disease remains prevalent among neonates in Wakiso district, and yet little is known about its associated factors. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of pneumonia among neonates in selected health centre IVs in Wakiso district. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative data collection methods was conducted among 342 mothers/caregivers. A structured questionnaire uploaded on the kobo collect application software was administered through face-to-face interviews to capture data on their socio-demographic characteristics and environmental factors. A data abstraction form was used to collect data on neonatal factors. Data was downloaded into Microsoft Excel and later imported into STATA version 17.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize continuous and categorical data. Modified Poisson regression model was used to establish the factors associated with pneumonia. Results: The study revealed that 12.6% (43/342) of the neonates sampled were diagnosed with pneumonia as recorded in the maternal and neonatal health registers. Marital status (APR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85 - 0.96) and common source of energy for cooking (APR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81 – 0.97), (APR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88 – 0.99) were protective factors associated with neonatal pneumonia diagnosis. Whereas, attendance of antenatal care (APR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.23), prematurity (APR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.44), birthweight (APR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.16), knowledge level (APR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.18) and common cooking place (APR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04 – 1.13) were positively associated with pneumonia diagnosis among neonates. Conclusion: There's a need to implement interventions targeted at improving neonatal health outcomes. These interventions should target caregivers who are married or cohabiting, do not attend antenatal care, with limited knowledge of pneumonia, those whose common energy source for cooking is charcoal and common cooking place is a kitchen attached to the living room.