Year: 2025 | Month: January-March | Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 1-14
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20250101
Pattern of Morbidity and Mortality in a Neonatal Unit of a Private Paediatric Health Facility in Southern Nigeria
Boma Awoala West1, Josephine Enekole Aitafo2, Boma Awoala West3
1Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
2Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
3Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Boma Awoala West
ABSTRACT
Background: The neonatal period is a critical time for child survival as the risk of death is very high. This study was done to determine the pattern of neonatal morbidity and mortality in a private paediatric health facility in Nigeria.
Methods: A prospective study was carried out over one year from June 2023 to May 2024.
Result: Of 175 neonates admitted, males predominated 114(65.1%). Most were admitted within the 1st 3 days of life 93(53.1%), had normal birth weights 103(58.9%) with mean gestational age of 35.51 ± 4.75weeks. The commonest morbidity observed were neonatal jaundice 93(57.1%), probable neonatal sepsis 93(57.1%) and prematurity 44(27.0%). There were 7 deaths (mortality rate of 4.0%), commonest causes were neonatal sepsis, severe anaemia and hypoglycaemia. Morbidities with the highest case fatality rates were severe anaemia (10.7%) hypoglycaemia (9.5%) and congenital heart disease (8.3%). Neonatal jaundice, low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome were significantly associated with gestational age <37weeks (P value 0.002, <0.001, <0.001, respectively) while perinatal asphyxia was significantly associated with neonates of gestational age >37weeks (P value 0.047). Birth weight was significantly associated with survival, P value = 0.049.
Conclusion: There was male predominance among admitted neonates with commonest morbidities being neonatal jaundice, neonatal sepsis and prematurity. Mortality rate was 4%, commonest causes were preventable; neonatal sepsis, severe anaemia and hypoglycaemia. Thus, improved obstetric and neonatal care through antenatal care, provision of adequate & quality health care personnel, technological advancement, appropriate/timely referral of sick neonates with adequate transportation would improve neonatal outcomes.
Keywords: Pattern, Morbidity, Mortality, Neonatal unit, Nigeria