Prevalence and determinants of neonatal hypoglycemia among Neonates at Kabgayi level two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

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