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International Journal of Home Science

2025, VOL. 11 ISSUE 1, PART A

Prevalence and risk factors of neonatal infections in a government hospital NICU

Author(s): Shweta Naik
Abstract:
Neonatal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where the most vulnerable newborns are cared for. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the NICU of a government hospital in Holenarsipura taluk, Hassan district, Karnataka, to assess the prevalence and risk factors of neonatal infections. The study utilized a purposive sampling method, with 60 neonates participating. Among the participants, 61.7% were boys (37) and 38.3% were girls (23). The majority (85%) resided in rural areas, with boys (58.8%) outnumbering girls (41.2%). Regarding birth weight, 18.3% of the neonates were categorized as low birth weight (LBW), with a near-equal distribution between boys (54.5%) and girls (45.5%). Most neonates (76.6%) had normal birth weight, with boys (60.8%) again outnumbering girls (39.2%). Among the sample, 16.6% of neonates suffered from birth asphyxia, 93.3% had neonatal jaundice, and 23.3% experienced respiratory distress. These findings are consistent with existing research highlighting the challenges faced by neonates in India, including low birth weight, pre-term births, neonatal jaundice, and respiratory distress. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on improving maternal nutrition, expanding access to antenatal care, and enhancing neonatal care facilities, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Pages: 35-40  |  27 Views  20 Downloads


International Journal of Home Science
How to cite this article:
Shweta Naik. Prevalence and risk factors of neonatal infections in a government hospital NICU. Int J Home Sci 2025;11(1):35-40.

International Journal of Home Science
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