Prevalence and Outcome of Neonatal Sepsis at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi

Abstract

Sepsis is a major global health threat with a high incidence and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Infections in the newborn used to be the 3rd leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, but recent surveys have shown that it is becoming a leading cause of mortality in newborns. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and outcomes of neonatal sepsis at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to August 2025, involving neonates presenting with symptoms suggestive of neonatal sepsis. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. A total of 150 neonates were recruited, with a mean birth weight of 2.26±0.81kg. Of the 150 neonates, 52 (34.7%) were in-born neonates, while 98(65.3%) were outborn. The most frequently reported neonatal clinical features were: fever 81 (54.0%), fast breathing 53(35.3%), refusal to feed 34(22.7%), foetal distress 25 (16.7%), APGAR score <7, 23 (15.3%), hypothermia 21(14.0%), respectively. Seventy-four (49.3%) neonates had positive blood culture, with a prevalence of 49.3%. Atotal of 114 (76.0%) neonates were managed and discharged, while mortality occurred in 26 (17.3%). Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of preventable mortality that requires continual surveillance to achieve a reduction in line with the SDG 3.2 goal.