BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection occurring in infants within 28 days of life. It has a huge impact on neonatal global mortality. It accounts for up to one-third of neonatal deaths in the world each year. The associated factors as well as clinical outcomes of neonatal sepsis are not well quantified.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the treatment outcome and associated factors of Neonatal Sepsis in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from July 28, 2014, to July 28, 2019, were included. The source of data was the registration book and patients’ cards. After checking for completeness, data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to test for a statistical association between the variables. Poor treatment outcome means refusal to take the treatment, development of complications, referral to other health institutions, and neonatal death.

RESULTS: All charts met enrollment criteria. More than three fourth of the treated neonates were improved/healed. Among the study participants, more than half were male and about half of them were younger than 3 days on admission. The poor treatment outcome for neonatal sepsis was high (16%). The predictors for poor treatment outcome of neonatal sepsis were a referral from another health facility (AOR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.24-0.89) and a longer duration of treatment (AOR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.90).

CONCLUSION: The poor outcome of neonatal sepsis was a significant health problem in the study area. Strengthening the referral system and focusing on the quality of care will improve the poor outcomes of neonatal sepsis.

KEYWORDS: Neonatal sepsis, treatment outcome, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia