Abstract:
Background: A dangerous metabolic illness known as neonatal hypoglycemia affects newborns,
especially during their initial 24hrs of life, substantially increases the possibility of
neurodevelopmental problems and neonatal mortality (15%). Comprehensive maternal history
taking is not always done during neonatal admissions in Rwanda, which may make it more
difficult to identify and treat hypoglycemia risk factors early on. The purpose of the study was to
find out how often newborn hypoglycemia occurred among patients admitted to Kabgayi Level
Two Teaching Hospital and what factors contributed to it.
Methodology: Methods: At Kabgayi level two teaching hospital a quantitative retrospective
cross-sectional study design with sample of 176 neonates admitted over a six months was carried
out. Data on the frequency and causes of neonatal hypoglycemia were gathered through
questionnaires and an examination of medical records. To find important association, statistical
analysis using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26.0 was carried
out. Odd Ration with a 95% CI was computed.
Results: the 176 newborns examined, 32% had hypoglycemia at the time of admission. The main
causes of neonatal hypoglycemia are low birth weight (OR=5.341; P-value=0.006),birth
asphyxia (OR=7.047; P-value= 0.004) preterm birth (OR=4.174; P-value =0.002) ,delayed
initiation of breastfeeding (OR=6.649; P-value= 0.001) were determinants of hypoglycemia.
.
Conclusion: In order to improve early detection and management, the study emphasizes the high
prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia at Kabgayi level two teaching hospital and the urgent need
for preterm labor management, close monitoring and decision making for the laboring mother
and early initiation of breastfeeding. Closing these gaps could improve neonatal health outcomes
across the country by reducing the negative effects of neonatal hypoglycemia in Rwanda
