Predictors of newborn hypothermia in the first 6 hours after delivery among newborns in Kilimanjaro region—Tanzania: An analytical cross-sectional study

Abstract

Maintaining a newborn body temperature after delivery is critical in achieving better newborn health outcomes. Properly controlling newborn temperature from the time of delivery can increase newborn survival. However, there is scant information on predictors associated with newborn hypothermia in the setting. A health facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2024. The study included 325 newborns and their mothers from 4 primary health facilities, and the participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The newborn axillary body temperature was assessed using a calibrated standardized digital thermometer in the first 6 hours after delivery. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, digital thermometer, ambient air thermometer and documentary review guide. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze data, and a statistical significance was declared at P < .05. The prevalence of newborn hypothermia in the study area was 44%. Low birth weight (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-13.3; P = .008), a lack of skin-to-skin contact (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.27-4.71; P = .007), and delayed initiation of breastfeeding (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.21-8.30; P < .001), not wearing capes (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.50-5.69; P = .002), not wearing socks (AOR = 2.4, CI: 1.19-5.12; P = .014), and nighttime delivery (AOR = 2.2, CI: 1.07-4.64; P = .032) were significantly associated with newborn hypothermia. Therefore, strategies for enhancing postnatal mothers' ability to practice skin-to-skin contact, initiate breastfeeding early, provide adequate support, and leverage technology and innovation for thermal care equipment to alleviate the burden are crucial.