Audit of availability and distribution of paediatric cardiology services and facilities in Nigeria.

Ekanem N Ekure ,Be Otaigbe,Mu Anah,Chinyere C Uzodimma ,Samuel Omokhodion ,Adeola Orogade ,Queennette Daniels ,Christopher Yilgwan ,Ao Olowu ,Wilson E Sadoh ,Uvie Ufuoma Onakpoya ,Frances Sam Okpokowuruk ,Usman Muhammad Sani ,Mohammad B Abdulkadir ,Mustapha Asani ,Daberechi K Adiele ,Iretiola Bosede Babaniyi ,Joseph K Afolabi ,Fidelia Bode‐Thomas ,O O Ogunkunle ,Ogechi C Maduka ,Barakat Adeola Animasahun ,Chika O Duru ,John A.o Okeniyi

doi:10.5830/cvja-2016-057

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundPaediatric cardiac services in Nigeria have been perceived to be inadequate but no formal documentation of availability and distribution of facilities and services has been done. Objective: To evaluate and document the currently available paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria.MethodsIn this questionnaire-based, cross-sectional descriptive study, an audit was undertaken from January 2010 to December 2014, of the personnel and infrastructure, with their distributions according to geopolitical zones of Nigeria.ResultsForty-eight centres participated in the study, with 33 paediatric cardiologists and 31 cardiac surgeons. Echocardiography, electrocardiography and pulse oximetry were available in 45 (93.8%) centres while paediatric intensive care units were in 23 (47.9%). Open-heart surgery was performed in six (12.5%) centres. South-West zone had the majority of centres (20; 41.7%).ConclusionsAvailable paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria are grossly inadequate and poorly distributed. Efforts should be intensified to upgrade existing facilities, establish new and functional centres, and train personnel.

Highlights

Paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria have been perceived to be inadequate but no formal documentation of availability and distribution of facilities and services has been done
An estimated 70 000 children are born with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Nigeria annually, based on seven million
The centres known to have a paediatric cardiologist on staff were included

Summary

Introduction

Paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria have been perceived to be inadequate but no formal documentation of availability and distribution of facilities and services has been done. Objective: To evaluate and document the currently available paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria. Methods: In this questionnaire-based, cross-sectional descriptive study, an audit was undertaken from January 2010 to December 2014, of the personnel and infrastructure, with their distributions according to geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Results: Forty-eight centres participated in the study, with 33 paediatric cardiologists and 31 cardiac surgeons. Echocardiography, electrocardiography and pulse oximetry were available in 45 (93.8%) centres while paediatric intensive care units were in 23 (47.9%). Open-heart surgery was performed in six (12.5%) centres. South-West zone had the majority of centres (20; 41.7%)

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion