Clinical Outcomes and Associated Factors among Children Admitted With Meningitis at Pediatrics at Public Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Objectives: This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes and associated factors among children with meningitis at Ras Desta Damtew Memorial Hospital. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from April 2022 to May 2024. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed after adjusting for potential confounders and P < .05 considered significant. Results: The magnitude of good clinical outcome was 90.9% (95% CI: 87.3, 94.4). Factors significantly associated were: age >2 months (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 3.39, 42.89; P < .001), duration of illness <72 hours prior to hospital admission (AOR: 4.75; 95% CI: 1.36, 16.56; P = .014), completed immunization status (AOR: 3.72; 95% CI: 1.19, 11.63; P = .024), and absence of severe acute malnutrition (AOR: 5.18; 95% CI: 1.18, 22.71; P = .029). Conclusions: Public health strategies should prioritize addressing severe acute malnutrition, ensuring complete immunization, and promoting early healthcare-seeking within 72 hours of symptom onset.