TITLE:
Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality among Preterm Newborns in Kisangani (Democratic Republic of Congo): A Multicenter Analytical Study
AUTHORS:
Jean Hubert Tshishimbi Kalala, Scapin Kabongo Mudipanu, Alphonse Lufuluabu Mpemba, Véronique Muyobela Kampunzu, Gaspard Mande Bukaka, Dadi Falay Sadiki, Emmanuel Tebandite Kasai, Jean Pierre Alworong’a Opara
KEYWORDS:
Prematurity, Neonatal Mortality, Risk Factors, Kisangani, DR Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.3,
April
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Prematurity remains a major contributor to neonatal mortality worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality among preterm newborns in Kisangani. Methods: A multicenter prospective analytical study was conducted in four hospitals in Kisangani from March 2025 to February 2026. All eligible preterm newborns (Results: Among 482 admitted neonates, 120 were preterm (24.9%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 33.3% (n = 40). Independent factors associated with mortality included absence of antenatal care (aOR 22.0; 95% CI 4.28 - 144; p Conclusion: Preterm mortality remains unacceptably high in Kisangani. Strengthening antenatal care coverage and improving neonatal care quality are essential to reduce mortality.