Levels of neonatal care services in Kaduna state

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal medicine is a specialized aspect of pediatrics. The availability and accessibility of efficient newborn units are essential for improved newborn health and survival. In the structure of our healthcare system in Nigeria, neonatal units are meant to be the component units of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. Aims: The study aimed at determining the availability of neonatal units and the levels of care services in Kaduna state, Northwestern Nigeria. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Materials and Methods: The study was a survey of all hospitals in Kaduna state including public and nongovernment healthcare facilities. Information on the availability of newborn unit, staffing, and equipment was obtained and units were categorized into the levels of care. Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were summarized and presented in proportions and simple percentages. Results: A total of 33 public nonprimary healthcare facilities and 25 nongovernment specialist facilities operated in the state. Only two (one each state and federal owned) of these 33 public facilities, both of which were tertiary healthcare facilities, had an operational neonatal unit while 15 of the 25 specialist nongovernment facilities operated a neonatal unit. All the neonatal units were of level I category except for the state-owned tertiary facility, which was of level II category and the federal-owned tertiary facility, which was of level III category. Conclusions: The number of neonatal units and levels of care in both public and private health facilities in the state are grossly inadequate. Improving these may result in improved neonatal care in the state.