Neonatal Mortality In sub-Saharan Africa Research Articles

Birth asphyxia and its association with grand multiparity and referral among hospital births: A prospective cross-sectional study in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The relationship to grand multiparity (GM), a controversial pregnancy risk factor, remains largely unexplored, especially in the context of large multinational studies. We investigated birth asphyxia and its association with GM and referral in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a perinatal e-Registry in 16 hospitals (four per country). The study population consisted of 80 663 babies (>1000 g, >28 weeks' gestational age) delivered between July 2021 and December 2022. The primary outcome was birth asphyxia, defined by 5-minute appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration score <7. A multilevel and stratified multivariate logistic regression was performed with GM (parity ≥5) as exposure, and birth asphyxia as outcome. An interaction between referral (none, prepartum, intrapartum) and GM was also evaluated as a secondary outcome. All models were adjusted for confounders. Pan African Clinical Trial Registry 202006793783148. Birth asphyxia was present in 7.0% (n = 5612) of babies. More babies with birth asphyxia were born to grand multiparous women (11.9%) than to other parity groups (≤7.6%). Among the 76 850 cases included in the analysis, grand multiparous women had a 1.34 times higher odds of birth asphyxia (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.54) vs para one to two. Grand multiparous women referred intrapartum had the highest probability of asphyxiation (13.02%, 95% CI 9.34-16.69). GM increased odds of birth asphyxia in Benin (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.13-1.68) and Uganda (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.64), but was non-significant in Tanzania (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.81-2.56) and Malawi (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.67-1.44). There is some evidence of an increased risk of birth asphyxia for grand multiparous women having babies at hospitals, especially following intrapartum referral. Antenatal counseling should recognize grand multiparity as higher risk and advise appropriate childbirth facilities. Findings in Malawi suggest an advantage of health systems configuration requiring further exploration.

Gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the prevalence, management practices, and associated outcomes.

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall characterized by a periumbilical abdominal wall defect with associated bowel protrusion. Limitations in the diagnosis and management of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan African countries contribute to the high mortality rate. Few studies have been published despite its significant contribution to neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review study explores the prevalence of gastroschisis, likewise the management and clinical outcomes. Full-text articles reporting the prevalence, management, and associated outcomes of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. Data were extracted from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ajol following a systematic search. The study was reported following the PRISMA-ScR guideline. A total of ten articles which included studies conducted from 1999 to 2022 fulfilled the criteria. The prevalence of gastroschisis varied widely, ranging from 0.026 to 1.75 with an overall mortality rate of 62.48%. Young maternal age is strongly associated with the incidence of gastroschisis. The study showed a slight male preponderance with a M: F ratio of 1.12:1. Staged closure with silos is the preferred method of management, it is explicitly linked to improved clinical outcomes. The prevalence rate and associated mortality of gastroschisis remain alarmingly high in most of the studies. There is a need for advanced diagnostic and management practices as well as increased awareness of gastroschisis to reduce mortality and improve survival outcomes.

New Born Care with Ayurveda: A Review

New born babies or neonates truly constitute the foundation of human life. They have unique health issues and problems due to structural and functional immaturity of various body organs depending upon their gestational age and birth weight. Neonatal death occurs in approximately 1 in 250 births. Africa and Southeast Asia represent approximately two thirds of neonatal deaths, with the largest number of new born deaths in South Asia and the highest rates of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, similar to child deaths. India contributes 25% of the world’s neonatal deaths. Three causes of neonatal death are responsible for approximately 75% of neonatal deaths: prematurity 28%, sepsis and pneumonia 26%, and asphyxia 23%. Care of the new born is described by both Ayurvedic and modern texts in detail. In ancient texts, Acharyas gave their opinions on every aspect of the care of new born (Navjat Shishu Parichariya) which starts from birth till new born attends full stability. The procedures involved in the Care of new born are Ulva parimarjana, Pranapratyagamana, Snana, Mukha vishodhan, Pichudharan, Garbhodaka vamana, Nala chedana, Jatakarma, Raksha karma, Suwarna prasana. With advancement of researches, all these techniques are getting scientific validation. Like Udaka Kumbha sthapana mentioned in Jatakarma can be understood with recently evolved “head cooling technique” for new born. Hence these or ancient wisdom regarding resuscitation, prevention of hypothermia, aspiration and infections and promotion of rooming in and early initiation of breast feeding will be dealt along with scientific evidences in this study.

The Association between Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation and Malaria Prophylaxis and Linear Growth among Children and Neonatal Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa-A Pooled Analysis.

The majority of research on linear growth among children is confined to South Asia and focuses on iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation during pregnancy, without considering malaria prophylaxis. Similarly, there is limited evidence on the association of antenatal IFA supplementation and malaria prophylaxis with neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aims to address these gaps. A pooled analysis of demographic and health survey (DHS) data from 19 countries in SSA was conducted to study the association between IFA supplementation and malaria prophylaxis and linear growth and neonatal mortality. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used. Malaria prophylaxis was significantly associated with stunting, height-for-age Z scores (HAZ scores), and neonatal mortality, but IFA supplementation was not associated with these outcomes. When women's height and body mass index (BMI) were introduced in the model, a significant association between combined malaria prophylaxis and IFA supplementation was found with HAZ scores only. For severe stunting, no significant association was found with either in the two models. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of antenatal malaria prophylaxis as a potential intervention for nutrition outcomes (linear growth) and neonatal mortality, as well as the importance of coordinating efforts between malaria and the health and nutrition sectors to improve these outcomes in the countries of SSA.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Preterm Birth Among Pregnant Women Admitted at the Labor Ward of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Preterm birth is a global epidemic and a leading cause of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of preterm birth among women attending the labor ward for delivery at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among a cohort of 209 pregnant women admitted to the labor ward of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Pregnant women who delivered between 28 and 36 completed weeks of gestation were classified as preterm delivery whereas those who delivered after 37–42 completed weeks were described as term. Sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric data were collected from patient's folder and hospital archives. Categorical variables were analyzed and expressed as frequencies and proportions. We determined the association between obstetric factors and preterm delivery with multiple logistic regressions. Significance level of the strength of association was determined at p-value < 0.05. of the 209 participants, the prevalence of preterm birth was 37.3% (78/209) whereas 62.7% (131/209) delivered at Term. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) [aOR = 2.15, 95% CI = (1.819.55), p = 0.0390], HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) syndrome [aOR = 3.94, 95% CI = (1.64–9.48), p = 0.0020], early gestational obesity [aOR = 2.11, 95% CI = (1.31–11.92), p = 0.0480] and preeclampsia [aOR = 4.56, 95% CI = (1.63–12.76), p = 0.004] were identified as independent risk factors of preterm birth. Prevalence of preterm birth was high among women attending labor admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and this was independently influenced by IUGR, HELLP syndrome, early gestational obesity, and preeclampsia. Identifying early signs of adverse pregnancy outcomes would inform the need for management policy to prevent high prevalence of preterm births.

Hospital delivery and neonatal mortality in 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: An ecological study.

Widespread increases in facility delivery have not substantially reduced neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia over the past 2 decades. This may be due to poor quality care available in widely used primary care clinics. In this study, we examine the association between hospital delivery and neonatal mortality. We used an ecological study design to assess cross-sectional associations between the share of hospital delivery and neonatal mortality across country regions. Data were from the Demographic and Health Surveys from 2009 to 2018, covering 682,239 births across all regions. We assess the association between the share of facility births in a region that occurred in hospitals (versus lower-level clinics) and early (0 to 7 days) neonatal mortality per 1,000 births, controlling for potential confounders including the share of facility births, small at birth, maternal age, maternal education, urbanicity, antenatal care visits, income, region, and survey year. We examined changes in this association in different contexts of country income, global region, and urbanicity using interaction models. Across the 1,143 regions from 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, 42%, 29%, and 28% of births took place in a hospital, clinic, and at home, respectively. A 10-percentage point higher share of facility deliveries occurring in hospitals was associated with 1.2 per 1,000 fewer deaths (p-value < 0.01; 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.60), relative to mean mortality of 22. Associations were strongest in South Asian countries, middle-income countries, and urban regions. The study's limitations include the inability to control for all confounding factors given the ecological and cross-sectional design and potential misclassification of facility levels in our data. Regions with more hospital deliveries than clinic deliveries have reduced neonatal mortality. Increasing delivery in hospitals while improving quality across the health system may help to reduce high neonatal mortality.

Incidence Density Rate of Neonatal Mortality and Predictors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan countries is remarkably high. Though there are inconsistent studies about the incidence density rate of neonatal mortalities (IDR) and predictors in Sub-Saharan Africa, they are inconclusive to policymakers and program planners. In this study, the IDR of neonatal mortalities and predictors was determined. Methods Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), World Cat, Google Scholar, and Google) were explored. 20 out of 818 studies were included in this study. The IDRs and predictors of neonatal mortality were computed from studies conducted in survival analysis. Fixed and random effect models were used to compute pooled estimates. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Neonates were followed for a total of 1,095,611 neonate-days; 67142 neonate-days for neonates treated in neonatal intensive care units and 1,028,469 neonate-days for community-based studies. The IDRs of neonatal mortalities in neonatal intensive care units and in the community were 24.53 and 1.21 per 1000 person-days, respectively. The IDRs of early and late neonatal mortalities neonatal intensive care units were 22.51 and 5.09 per 1000 neonate-days, respectively. Likewise, the IDRs of early and late neonatal mortalities in the community were 0.85 and 0.31, respectively. Not initiating breastfeeding within one hour, multiple births, rural residence, maternal illness, low Apgar score, being preterm, sepsis, asphyxia, and respiratory distress syndrome were independent predictors of time to neonatal mortality in neonatal intensive care units and male gender, perceived small size, multiple births, and ANC were predictors of neonatal mortality in the community. Conclusion The incidence density rate of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa is significantly high. Multiple factors (neonatal and maternal) were found to be independent predictors. Strategies must be designed to address these predictors, and prospective studies could reveal other possible factors of neonatal mortalities.

The impact of antenatal care on neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundNewborns are at greatest risk of dying at and shortly after the time of birth. Newborn mortality remains an urgent concern and is an important indicator of child health, development and well-being. Studies examining the effectiveness of antenatal care on maternal and newborn health outcomes have provided conflicting results. The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled effect of antenatal care on neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google Scholar from September to November 2016 and then updated our search on April 13, 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted data from eligible studies. The quality of each included study was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies (RoBANS). The results were reported based on risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model.ResultsEight hundred and ninety eight studies were initially identified. During screening, 23 studies were found to be relevant for data extraction. Of these, only twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. In five of the twelve studies included in the analysis, antenatal care service utilization had a significant association with neonatal mortality. The pooled risk ratio by the random-effects model was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.43, 0.86) for neonates born to women who received at least one antenatal care visit by a skilled provider as compared to neonates born to women who did not receive antenatal care.ConclusionThis review indicates that utilization of at least one antenatal care visit by a skilled provider during pregnancy reduces the risk of neonatal mortality by 39% in sub-Saharan African countries. Thus, in order to accelerate progress towards the reduction of newborn deaths, all pregnant women should receive antenatal care during pregnancy.

Women's position in the household as a determinant of neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

Background. The burden of under-five mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is highest during the neonatal period, with over 40% of cases occurring during the first month of life. There is a paucity of evidence on the influence of women’s household position on neonatal survival in SSA. Objective. To assess the influence of women’s household position on neonatal survival in SSA. Methods. We analysed pooled data ( N =191 514) from the demographic and health surveys of 18 countries in SSA. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to explore statistically significant relationships. Results. Findings support the hypothesis that a low position of a woman in the household is significantly associated with high neonatal mortality, as children of women who experienced a high position in the household had a significantly lower risk of neonatal mortality (hazard ratio 0.85, confidence interval 0.76 - 0.95; p <0.05) than those whose mothers experienced a low household position. Conclusion. This study concludes that improving women’s household position through enhanced socioeconomic status could substantially contribute to reducing neonatal mortality in SSA.

Variation in neonatal mortality and its relation to country characteristics in sub-Saharan Africa: an ecological study

BackgroundA substantial reduction in neonatal mortality is the main priority to reduce under-five mortality. A clear understanding of the variation in neonatal mortality and the underlying causes is important for...

Parents' experiences of caring for preterm infants after discharge with grandmothers as their main support.

To explore parents of preterm infants' experiences of caring for their preterm infants with the grandmother as their primary support after discharge. Preterm delivery is the major cause of high neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. There is poor neonatal health outcome in the Ghanaian community with some illnesses culturally classified as not-for-hospital. In the community, grandmothers or older women provide support for new parents and decide treatment options for sick infants. However, there is paucity of research on how parents of preterm infants experience this support in the Ghanaian community. Qualitative narrative inquiry methodology was used. Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data from 21 mothers and nine fathers. Participant observation and field notes were used to complement interview data. Thematic content analysis of data within the three-dimensional narrative space was employed. Analysis focussed on the relationship of time, place, person and cultural practices affecting the care of preterm infants in the community. Three themes emerged from the data, namely (i) Grandmother's prescriptions, (ii) Fighting for the well-being of the infant and (iii) Being in a confused state. Cultural practices mainly initiated by grandmothers resulted in adverse health problems for preterm infants and disruption in parents' mental health. As grandmothers perform their traditional role of supporting new parents to care for preterm infants after discharge, they give both positive and negative advice which can adversely affect the health of vulnerable preterm infants in the community. Grandmothers are the main support providers of parents of preterm infants after neonatal unit discharge. Nurses should identify and include grandmothers in predischarge education in order to equip them to render appropriate support to parents and preterm infants.

Understanding the challenges to caring for low birthweight babies in rural southern Malawi: a qualitative study exploring caregiver and health worker perceptions and experiences

BackgroundLow birthweight (LBW) babies account for >80% of neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and those who survive the neonatal period are still at risk of detrimental outcomes....

Interventions to reduce neonatal mortality: a mathematical model to evaluate impact of interventions in sub-Saharan Africa.

To determine which interventions would have the greatest impact on reducing neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa in 2012. We used MANDATE, a mathematical model, to evaluate scenarios for the impact of available interventions on neonatal deaths from primary causes, including: (i) for birth asphyxia - obstetric care preventing intrapartum asphyxia, newborn resuscitation and treatment of asphyxiated infants; (ii) for preterm birth - corticosteroids, oxygen, continuous positive air pressure and surfactant; and, (iii) for serious newborn infection - clean delivery, chlorhexidine cord care and antibiotics. Reductions in infection-related mortality have occurred. Between 80 and 90% of deaths currently occurring from infections and asphyxia can be averted from available interventions, as can 58% of mortality from preterm birth. More than 200 000 neonatal deaths can each be averted from asphyxia, preterm birth and infections. Using available interventions, more than 80% of the neonatal deaths occurring today could be prevented in sub-Saharan Africa. Reducing neonatal deaths from asphyxia require improvements in infrastructure and obstetric care to manage maternal conditions such as obstructed labour and preeclampsia. Reducing deaths from preterm birth would also necessitate improved infrastructure and training for preterm infant care. Reducing infection-related mortality requires less infrastructure and lower-level providers.

Patterns and risk factors of birth defects in rural areas of south-eastern Gabon.

Within the context of high neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, a retrospective study was conducted on the prevalence of congenital malformations and the association between maternal risk factors and birth defects in rural populations of south-eastern Gabon. Two populations were studied: a group of 3500 births recorded in rural area (Koula-Moutou) and a second group of 4212 births in a semi-rural area (Franceville) in Gabon. Our data showed an increasing prevalence in congenital anomalies from rural to urban areas (P<0.001). Maternal risk factors such as age>35years, multiparity and employment status were significantly associated with the levels of stillbirth. Together with abortions and stillbirths, congenital malformations require strong monitoring in rural and urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

Sociocultural factors affecting uptake of home-based neonatal thermal care practices in Africa: A qualitative review.

Neonatal hypothermia is a major contributor to neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, often as a comorbidity of severe infections, preterm births or asphyxia. Simple, cost-effective thermal care practices (TCPs) immediately at birth and in the post-natal period are recommended in the World Health Organization 'warm chain'. Current practices are suboptimal in the home in low-resource settings, where approximately half of neonatal deaths occur. Several databases (PubMed, OVID SP, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Google Scholar) were searched for original research on home-based TCPs. Seventeen articles were identified, and the results were analysed using a 'thermal care behavioural model'. This review of the qualitative literature on home-based practices across Africa illuminates the sociocultural factors affecting the uptake of recommended practices and strategies for behaviour change. Findings from the review confirm that potentially harmful cultural norms and traditions influence the sequence of TCPs in different contexts across Africa. Furthermore, caregiver factors and contextual barriers or facilitating factors to TCPs and behaviour change exist. Hypothermia and home-based TCPs are areas for further research. Thermal care behaviour change interventions tailored to the sociocultural context are necessary to improve neonatal outcomes in Africa.

VARIATION IN NEONATAL MORTALITY AND ITS RELATION TO COUNTRY CHARACTERISTICS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

BackgroundA substantial reduction in neonatal mortality is the main priority to reduce under-five mortality. A clear understanding of the variation in neonatal mortality and the underlying causes is important for...

Assessing Antenatal Care and Newborn Survival in Sub-Saharan Africa within the Context of Renewed Commitments to Save Newborn Lives.

Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the key interventions of the Every Newborn action plan to improve newborn health and prevent stillbirths by 2035. However, little is known about its relationship with neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa since the 1990s. We use data from 54 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) from 27 countries to make comparisons of neonatal mortality by ANC attendance. Each country had two surveys that were categorized as ‘earliest surveys’ (i.e. conducted since 1990 but before 2010) and ‘latest surveys’ (from 2010 to 2014). Multi-level logistic regression model and meta-analysis were applied on 1.1 million births that occurred among women in the 5 years preceding the surveys. Overall neonatal mortality rate (NMR) was 37.7 (95% CI, 37.4–38.1) deaths per 1000 live births; NMR in the earliest surveys were 46.0 (95% CI, 45.4–46.7) and 33.4 (95% CI, 33.0–33.8) deaths per 1000 live births in the latest surveys. The overall NMR was also 10% higher than expected NMR (37.7 vs 34.3 deaths per 1000 live births). NMR was 2.2 times higher among births of women with no ANC compared to those who had at least one ANC visit (42.5 vs 19.6 per 1000 live births). After adjusting for place of delivery, maternal age at birth, relative household wealth, residence, mother's education, marital status, birth order, sex of child, and period of survey, the overall odds ratio (OR) demonstrated that women with at least one ANC visit were 48% less likely to report neonatal deaths (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.47–0.57) than women who did not receive ANC. NMR was 27% less likely to occur during the latest surveys than during the earliest surveys (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.71–0.75). We discuss these results within the context of calls for continued efforts to deploy interventions aimed at improving the quality of maternal and newborn care.

The relationship between facility-based delivery and maternal and neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa

International Journal of Gynecology & ObstetricsVolume 122, Issue 3 p. 263-265 Brief communications The relationship between facility-based delivery and maternal and neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa Cheryl A. Moyer, Corresponding Author Cheryl A. Moyer [email protected] Global REACH and Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USACorresponding author at: Global REACH and Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, 5115 Med Sci 1, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Tel.: + 1 734 615 2838; fax: + 1 734 615 6300.Search for more papers by this authorRichard M. Adanu, Richard M. Adanu School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GhanaSearch for more papers by this authorCyril M. Engmann, Cyril M. Engmann Departments of Pediatrics and Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USASearch for more papers by this author Cheryl A. Moyer, Corresponding Author Cheryl A. Moyer [email protected] Global REACH and Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USACorresponding author at: Global REACH and Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, 5115 Med Sci 1, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Tel.: + 1 734 615 2838; fax: + 1 734 615 6300.Search for more papers by this authorRichard M. Adanu, Richard M. Adanu School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GhanaSearch for more papers by this authorCyril M. Engmann, Cyril M. Engmann Departments of Pediatrics and Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 26 June 2013 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.04.010Citations: 18Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume122, Issue3September 2013Pages 263-265 RelatedInformation

Prenatal care associated with reduction of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys

To determine whether prenatal care by a skilled provider (physician, nurse or midwife) and specific prenatal interventions were associated with decreased neonatal mortality. Mothers' reports in nationally representative surveys (conducted 2003-2009) about their most recent delivery were analyzed. Setting. Sub-Saharan Africa, 17 least developed countries (UN designation). 89 655 women aged 15-49 years with a singleton birth within 3 years prior to survey. Methods. Logistic regression models were used to measure the associations between having a skilled prenatal provider, as well as specific interventions, and neonatal mortality. Neonatal mortality, defined as a live birth ending in death at less than one month of age. Overall, 70.7% of women saw a skilled prenatal provider during their previous pregnancy. Prenatal care from a skilled provider was associated with a decreased neonatal mortality risk compared with no provider [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.80] and compared with an unskilled provider (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.96). The most effective prenatal interventions were weight (AOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.64-0.80) and blood pressure measurements (AOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.86), and two or more tetanus immunizations (AOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70-0.86). Four or more prenatal visits compared with none were associated with decreased neonatal mortality risk (AOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.59-0.79). Prenatal care provided by skilled providers, at least four prenatal visits, weight and blood pressure assessment, and two or more tetanus immunizations were associated with decreased neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Neurological and developmental outcome of neonatal jaundice and sepsis in rural Kenya

Neonatal jaundice (NJ) and sepsis are common causes of neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about the long-term morbidity in this setting. This study aimed to describe the neurological and developmental sequelae of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and neonatal sepsis (NS) in a district hospital in rural Kenya. Twenty-three term infants with NJ [total serum bilirubin (TSB) >300 mumol/l] and 24 infants with a history of NS were identified from hospital records. These children were compared to 40 children from the community (CC) without neonatal problems. At ages 18-32 months, the children's neurological, motor and developmental status were assessed, and blood groups of the NJ and NS subjects and their mothers were determined. Ten (43%) of the NJ subjects were unable to sit and/or stand independently. The NJ subjects had significantly more neurological, motor and developmental difficulties and caused greater maternal concern than the CCs. Five (21%) of the NJ subjects had possible blood group incompatibility. The NS subjects had significantly more motor and eye-hand difficulties and maternal concerns expressed than the CCs. Severe NJ in term infants (of mainly non-haemolytic origin) was associated with a high prevalence of neurological and developmental sequelae at ages 18-32 months. The NS is also associated with neuro-developmental sequelae, but the pattern is different to those seen in NJ. Since NS is common in resource poor countries, this may be an important cause of neuro-developmental impairment in children living in this setting.