Evaluating Preterm Birth Patterns and Survival Rates in Ekiti State Tertiary Hospitals: A Six-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Prematurity remains the leading cause of infant mortality, with stark global disparities in survival rates. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, in high-income countries, survival rates exceed 90% for infants born at 28 weeks of gestation, with further improvements as gestational age increases. Whereas in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, only approximately 10% of infants born at 28 weeks of gestation survive, and half of infants born at 32 weeks of gestation and below do not survive due to inadequate and unaffordable care. This study aims to examine the patterns and survival rates of preterm births in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of two tertiary hospitals in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Method: Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, this retrospective study analyzed NICU records from 2016 to 2021. Data were collected using an adapted checklist to monitor neonatal survival. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: During the six years, 759 preterm infants were recorded. Hospital A reported a survival rate of 20.1% (34 of 169), while Hospital B had a 73.3% survival rate (433 of 590), resulting in an overall survival rate of 62.5%. A significant positive correlation was found between infant birth weight and survival in 2016 (r=0.49, p<0.001), 2018 (r=0.49, p<0.001), 2019 (r=0.43, p<0.001), and 2021 (r=0.43, p<0.001). Conclusions: These findings highlight critical disparities in preterm birth outcomes between the two hospitals. There is an urgent need to enhance preterm infant survival through improved facilities, staff training, and adequate equipment provision.