Length of stay and influencing factors of NICU in the Western Hunan, an underdeveloped area of China: A 9-year retrospective study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the factors that influence the length of stay (LOS) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods This retrospective study analysed clinical data from all newborns hospitalized in the NICU of a tertiary hospital in the Western Hunan area of China over a 9-year period (2012–2020). Factors associated with the LOS were analysed using univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 16 094 newborns were included in the study: of which 9615 were inborn and 6479 were outborn newborns. There were 9482 males and 6612 females. Over the 9-year period, the mean LOS was 11.08 days (median LOS, 9.00 days; range, 1–141 days); and the LOS first increased, then decreased and stabilized. A LOS of 8–28 days was the most common duration (8849 of 16 094; 54.98%). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that sex, patient source, delivery method, gestational age, birth weight and comorbidities were significantly associated with LOS. Conclusion Being male, low gestational age and low birth weight increased the LOS. Reducing preterm and post-term infants, as well as eliminating comorbidities, could effectively shorten the LOS of newborns.