Meconium aspiration syndrome and associated factors among neonates admitted at neonatal intensive care unit at Northwest Ethiopia comprehensive specialized hospitals Northwest Ethiopia 2023.

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome is a life-threatening respiratory disease due to the aspiration of meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs, resulting in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Impacts of meconium aspiration syndrome include respiratory failure, intellectual disability, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and air leaks. But there is a paucity of literature in Ethiopia, especially in the study area regarding the study topic. The aim of this study is to assess the proportion of meconium aspiration syndrome and associated factors among neonates admitted at the neonatal intensive care unit in North West Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods: -An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 414mothers-neonate pairs from April 15-May 15/2023. Systematic random sampling was used to obtain study participants. Maternal interviews and a review of neonatal charts were used to gather data from 414 respondents. Then the collected data was entered and coded into EPi-Data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Both the bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression models were used for analysis. AOR and 95% CI were used to measure association and strength, with statistical significance assessed at a p-value < 0.05.

Results: - A total of 414 neonate-mother pairs were involved with a 98% response rate. The overall prevalence of meconium aspiration syndrome was 23.43% with a 95% CI (19.6-27.8). Gestational age ≥ 41 wks (AOR = 4.8, CI = 2.02-11.22), labor duration ≥ 12 h (AOR = 2, 95%CI = 1.10-3.84), Premature Rupture of Membrane (AOR = 4.6, 95%CI = 1.12-10.12), oligohydramnios (AOR = 4.2, 95%CI, 2.17-8.14) and breech presentation (AOR = 6.9, 95%CI = 2.169-8.13) were significantly associated with meconium aspiration syndrome.

Conclusions: The prevalence of meconium aspiration syndrome was relatively high. And Postterm gestation, oligohydramnios, duration of labor, Premature Rupture of Membrane, and breech presentation increased the prevalence of meconium aspiration syndrome. Therefore, to reduce the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome, Health professionals should assess laboring women for the presence of these factors and should stay alert to detect MSAF early for better fetal and maternal health outcomes.