Development and internal validation of a neonatal mortality risk prediction model for low birthweight neonates in public hospitals, North-West Ethiopia: a prospective follow-up study.

objectivesThis study aimed to develop and internally validate a neonatal mortality risk prediction model for low birthweight (LBW) neonates in public hospitals of North-West Ethiopia.

designAn institution-based prospective follow-up study.

settingThe study was conducted in seven hospitals, comprising three general hospitals and four primary hospitals, between 14 February and 31 October 2025. The general hospitals, Injibara, Finote Selam and Pawi, provide level II neonatal intensive care services, whereas the primary hospitals, Dangila, Chagni, Jawi and Gimja Bet, provide level I newborn care services. These hospitals are situated in the Awi, West Gojjam and Metekel zones of the Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions in north-western Ethiopia.

participants955 LBW neonates were enrolled in the study. Neonates born outside health facilities were excluded if their birth weight was unknown, particularly those delivered by traditional birth attendants, as were neonates whose first recorded weight was obtained more than 24 hours after birth. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling and data were collected electronically using the KoboCollect mobile application. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were analysed using R software V.4.4.3. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors and develop a simplified risk score and nomogram. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration, while internal validation was performed using bootstrapping. The clinical utility of the model was assessed using decision curve analysis (DCA).

resultsThe final model included nine predictors: sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, absence of exclusive breastfeeding, absence of Kangaroo Mother Care, gestational ages of 28 weeks to <32 weeks and 32 weeks to <37 weeks, and birth weights of <1000 g and 1000-1499 g. The original model demonstrated good discrimination, with an area under the curve of 84.2% (95% CI 81.5% to 86.9%). After internal validation, the simplified risk score and nomogram achieved areas under the curve of 83.85% and 83.5%, respectively. The model showed excellent calibration before and after validation. DCA indicated that the model provides meaningful clinical benefit.

conclusionsThe nomogram and simplified risk score demonstrated excellent calibration and good discriminatory performance. Their application in clinical settings may improve early intervention and potentially reduce neonatal mortality in Ethiopia by enabling rapid, individualised mortality-risk prediction among LBW neonates. However, external validation in different settings is required.