Factors associated with early onset neonatal sepsis among neonates in public hospitals of Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: Unmatched case control study

•Early onset neonatal sepsis is the common cause of death in developing countries.•More than one-third of all neonatal mortality in Ethiopia is caused by EONS.•The frequency of ANC follow-ups were maternal-related determinants of EONS.•Gestational hypertension and instrumental delivery were risk factors for EONS.•A Low Apgar score at the fifth minute was a neonatal-related risk factor for EONS.