Newborn Interventions Research Articles

Delivery room oxygen physiology and respiratory interventions for newborns with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

To characterize pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) trajectories and respiratory interventions after birth for newborns with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Retrospective single-site study of newborns ≥32 weeks gestation with CCHD: single ventricle with critical aortic obstruction (SV-CAO), critical pulmonic obstruction (CPO), transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Minute-to-minute SpO2 values and respiratory interventions were summarized and compared. Two hundred infants were enrolled. SpO2 at each minute differed across groups (p < 0.01), with the lowest values in TGA. All interventions were most frequent in TGA (p < 0.01). Continuous positive airway pressure was provided in 22% SV-CAO, 23% CPO, and 66% TGA. Positive pressure ventilation occurred in 7% SV-CAO, 14% CPO, and 33% TGA. Intubation occurred in 4% SV-CAO, 10% CPO, and 53% TGA. We defined SpO2 trajectories and delivery room respiratory interventions for three CCHD phenotypes. These results inform delivery room management of these high-risk populations.

Maternal healthcare utilization and full immunization coverage among 12\u201323\u2009months children in Benin: a cross sectional study using population-based data

BackgroundMaternal and child health are important issues for global health policy, and the past three decades have seen a significant progress in maternal and child healthcare worldwide. Immunization is a critical, efficient, and cost-effective public health intervention for newborns. However, studies on these health-promoting indicators in low-income and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Sahara Africa are sparse. We investigated the association between maternal healthcare utilization and complete vaccination in the Republic of Benin.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). Specifically, the children’s recode file was used for the study. The outcome variable used was complete vaccination. Number of antenatal care visits, assistance during delivery, and postnatal check-up visits were the key explanatory variables. Bivariate and multilevel logistic regression analyses were carried out. The results were presented as unadjusted odds ratios (uOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) signifying their level of precision. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of full immunization coverage in Benin was 85.4%. The likelihood of full immunization was lower among children whose mothers had no antenatal care visits, compared to those whose mothers had 1–3 visits [aOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.08–0.15], those who got assistance from Traditional Birth Attendants/other during delivery, compared to those who had assistance from Skilled Birth Attendants/health professionals [aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40–0.77], and mothers who had no postnatal care check-up visit, compared to those who had postnatal care check-up < 24 h after delivery [aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36–0.67]. With the covariates, religion, partner’s level of education, parity, wealth quintile, and place of residence also showed significant associations with full immunization.ConclusionThe study has demonstrated strong association between full immunization and antenatal care, skilled attendance at birth, and postnatal care check-up visit. We found that full immunization decreases among women with no antenatal care visits, those who receive assistance from Traditional Birth Attendants during delivery, and those who do not go for postnatal care visits. To help achieve full immunization, it is prudent that the government of Benin collaborates with international organisations such as WHO and UNICEF to provide education to pregnant women on the importance of immunization after delivery. Such education can be embedded in the antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care services offered to pregnant women during pregnancy, delivery, and after delivery.

Electronic data collection for multi-country, hospital-based, clinical observation of maternal and newborn care: EN-BIRTH study experiences

BackgroundObservation of care at birth is challenging with multiple, rapid and potentially concurrent events occurring for mother, newborn and placenta. Design of electronic data (E-data) collection needs to account for these challenges. The Every Newborn Birth Indicators Research Tracking in Hospitals (EN-BIRTH) was an observational study to assess measurement of indicators for priority maternal and newborn interventions and took place in five hospitals in Bangladesh, Nepal and Tanzania (July 2017–July 2018). E-data tools were required to capture individually-linked, timed observation of care, data extraction from hospital register-records or case-notes, and exit-survey data from women.MethodsTo evaluate this process for EN-BIRTH, we employed a framework organised around five steps for E-data design, data collection and implementation. Using this framework, a mixed methods evaluation synthesised evidence from study documentation, standard operating procedures, stakeholder meetings and design workshops. We undertook focus group discussions with EN-BIRTH researchers to explore experiences from the three different country teams (November–December 2019). Results were organised according to the five a priori steps.ResultsIn accordance with the five-step framework, we found: 1) Selection of data collection approach and software: user-centred design principles were applied to meet the challenges for observation of rapid, concurrent events around the time of birth with time-stamping. 2) Design of data collection tools and programming: required extensive pilot testing of tools to be user-focused and to include in-built error messages and data quality alerts. 3) Recruitment and training of data collectors: standardised with an interactive training package including pre/post-course assessment. 4) Data collection, quality assurance, and management: real-time quality assessments with a tracking dashboard and double observation/data extraction for a 5% case subset, were incorporated as part of quality assurance. Internet-based synchronisation during data collection posed intermittent challenges. 5) Data management, cleaning and analysis: E-data collection was perceived to improve data quality and reduce time cleaning.ConclusionsThe E-Data system, custom-built for EN-BIRTH, was valued by the site teams, particularly for time-stamped clinical observation of complex multiple simultaneous events at birth, without which the study objectives could not have been met. However before selection of a custom-built E-data tool, the development time, higher training and IT support needs, and connectivity challenges need to be considered against the proposed study or programme’s purpose, and currently available E-data tool options.

\u201cTop-down bottom-up\u201d estimation of per capita cost of new-born care interventions in four regions of Ghana: beyond implementation to scalability and sustainability

BackgroundLimited financial, human and material health resources coupled with increasing demand for new-born care services require efficiency in health systems to maximize the available sources for improved health outcomes. Making Every Baby Count Initiative (MEBCI) implemented by local and international partners in 2013 in Ghana aimed at attaining neonatal mortality of 21 per 1000 livebirths by 2018 in four administrative regions in Ghana. MEBCI interventions benefited 4027 health providers, out of which 3453 (86%) were clinical healthcare staff.ObjectiveDetermine the per capita cost of the MEBCI interventions towards enhancing new-born care best practices through capacity trainings for frontline clinical and non-clinical staff.MethodsParameters for determining per capita cost of the new-born care interventions were estimated using expenditure on trainings, supervisions, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, administrative/services and medical logistics. Data collection started in October 2017 and ended in September 2018. Data sources for the per capita cost estimations were invoices, expense reports and ledger books at the national, regional and district levels of the health system.ResultsTotal of 4027 healthcare providers benefited from the MEBCI training activities comprising of 3453 clinical staff and 574 non-clinical personnel. Cumulative cost of implementing the MEBCI interventions did not necessarily match the cost per capita in staff capacity building; average cost per capita for all staff (clinical and non-clinical staff) was approximately US$ 982 compared to a per capita cost of US$ 799 for training only core clinical staff. Average cost per capita for all regions was approximately US$ 965 for all staff compared to US$ 777 per capita cost for only clinical staff. Per capita cost of training was relatively lower in regions with more staff than regions with lower numbers, perhaps due to economies of scale.ConclusionThe MEBCI intervention had a wide coverage in terms of training for frontline healthcare providers albeit the associated cost may be potentially unsustainable for Ghana’s health system. Emerging digital training platforms could be leveraged to reduce per capita cost of training. Large-scale on-site batch-training approach could also be replaced with facility-based workshops using training of trainers (TOTs) approach to promote efficiency.

DIFFERENTIATED APPROACH TO ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF NEWBORNS AND INFANTS WITH SURGICAL PATHOLOGY

Introduction. Various methods of combined anesthesia are used with a combination of inhalation, regional, intravenous anesthesia during surgical interventions in pediatric anesthesiology. It is important to carry out a differentiated approach to the appointment of anesthesia in children at all stages of surgical intervention to prevent complications and deaths in children.&#x0D; Aim. To analyze various types of anesthetic support for newborns and infants with congenital malformations during thoracic, urological and abdominal types of surgical treatment and determine the safest combination of anesthesia.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The retrospective study included newborns with congenital malformations of the surgical profile, as well as infants who received and continued stepwise surgical treatment for congenital malformations, depending on the chosen combined anesthetic accompaniment (inhalation + regional anesthesia; inhalation + intravenous anesthesia and total intravenous one). After identification and assessment of 41 prognostic variables by simple logistic regression with the calculation of the odds ratio, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors associated with death.&#x0D; Results. It has been proven that there is no relationship between the age of children, the type of surgical intervention in newborns and infants with congenital malformations with various options for anesthesiological support and deaths. It can be argued that the combination anesthesia options selected for analysis are safe.&#x0D; Conclusions. To prevent the chances of fatalities in various types of surgical interventions and options for anesthetic support of newborns and infants with congenital malformations, it is advisable to monitor blood pressure (especially diastolic), cerebral, peripheral oximetry at all stages of treatment more closely and correct the impaired condition of a child in time.

Prevalence and Spectrum of Complex Congenital Heart Disease in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at High Altitude in China

Background: Previous studies from high altitudes have reported significantly higher prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD), consisting almost solely of simple CHD. Little is known about the occurrence of complex CHD. Neonates with complex CHD are likely admitted to NICU. We examined the prevalence and spectrum of complex CHD in NICU in order to depict a truer picture of CHD at high altitude. Methods: We reviewed charts of 4,214 neonates admitted to NICU in Qinghai province (average altitude 3,000 m). Echocardiography was performed in 1,943 babies when CHD was suspected based on clinical examinations. Results: CHD was diagnosed in 1,093 (56.3% of echoed babies). Mild CHD in 96.8% (1058 babies). Moderate CHD in 0.8% (9) included 1 (0.1%) large secundum atrial septal defect, 3 (0.3%) moderate pulmonary stenosis, 2 (0.2%) aortic stenosis and 3 (0.3%) partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Severe CHD in 2.4% (26) included 6 (0.5%) complete atrioventricular septal defect, 5 (0.5%) complete transposition of the great arteries, 5 (0.5%) hypoplastic right heart, 3 (0.3%) hypoplastic left heart, 3 (0.3%) double outlet right ventricle, 3 (0.3%) tetralogy of Fallot, 2 (0.2%) truncus arteriosus, 2 (0.2%) total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, 2 (0.2%) severe aortic stenosis, 2 (0.2%) interrupted aortic arch and 2 (0.2%) severe pulmonary stenosis and 1 (0.1%) single-ventricle abnormality. At two-years follow-up in 737 (67.4%) patients, 18 (90%) with severe CHD and 38 (5.3%) with mild and moderate CHD died, and 15 underwent cardiac surgery with 1 early death. Conclusions: At high altitude, a wide spectrum of CHD exists, with many heretofore unreported complex CHD. There is urgent need for routine echocardiography and early interventions in newborns particularly in NICU.

The returns to early-life interventions for very low birth weight children

We use comprehensive administrative data from Rhode Island to measure the impact of early-life interventions for low birth weight newborns. Our analysis relies on a regression discontinuity design based on the 1,500 g threshold for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) status. We find that threshold crossing causes more intense in-hospital care, in line with prior studies. In terms of later-life outcomes, we show that threshold crossing causes a 0.34 standard deviation increase in test scores in elementary and middle school, a 17.1 percentage point increase in the probability of college enrollment, and a $66,997 decrease in social program expenditures by age 14.

Assessing the changes in childbirth care practices and neonatal outcomes in Western China: pre-comparison and post-comparison study on early essential newborn care interventions

ObjectiveTo explore the changes in childbirth care practices and health outcomes of newborns after the introduction of early essential newborn care (EENC).DesignA pre-comparison and post-comparison study.SettingThe study was conducted in...

Knowledge in the Performance of Newborn Hearing Screening Test of Nurses in Private Hospitals

The newborn hearing screening test is implemented before hospital discharge to initiate early identification and treatment. With a large population, lack of education, fewer professionals, and limited access to facilities, the targeted hearing screening program is implemented only to high-risk infants. The success in mandating Republic Act No. 9709, also known as the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009, was enacted for the prevention, early diagnosis, and intervention of hearing loss. Healthcare professionals do not feel adequately updated with newborn hearing screening and documenting screening results. Hence, this paper describes the level of knowledge of nurses in performing newborn hearing screening tests. Likewise, it determines the difference existing between nurses' demographics and their level of knowledge. Also, it identifies nurses' level of knowledge based on areas of procedures, standards, and protocols of newborn hearing screening tests and challenges and best practices encountered.

Evaluating implementation strategies for essential newborn care interventions in low- and low middle-income countries: a systematic review.

Neonatal mortality remains a significant health problem in low-income settings. Low-cost essential newborn care (ENC) interventions with proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness exist but have not reached high coverage (≥90%). Little is known about the strategies used to implement these interventions or how they relate to improved coverage. We conducted a systematic review of implementation strategies and implementation outcomes for ENC in low- and low middle-income countries capturing evidence from five medical and global health databases from 1990 to 2018. We included studies of implementation of delayed cord clamping, immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and/or early initiation of breastfeeding implemented in the first hour (facility-based studies) or the 1st day (community-based studies) of life. Implementation strategies and outcomes were categorized according to published frameworks: Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change and Outcomes for Implementation Research. The relationship between implementation strategies and outcomes was evaluated using standardized mean differences and correlation coefficients. Forty-three papers met inclusion criteria. Interventions included community-based care/health promotion and facility-based support and health care provider training. Included studies used 3–31 implementation strategies, though the consistency with which strategies were applied was variable. Conduct educational meetings was the most frequently used strategy. Included studies reported 1–4 implementation outcomes with coverage reported most frequently. Heterogeneity was high and no statistically significant association was found between the number of implementation strategies used and coverage of ENC. This review highlights several challenges in learning from implementation of ENC in low- and low middle-income countries, particularly poor description of interventions and implementation outcomes. We recommend use of UK Medical Research Council guidelines (2015) for process evaluations and checklists for reporting implementation studies. Improved reporting of implementation research in this setting is necessary to learn how to improve service delivery and outcomes and thereby reduce neonatal mortality.

World Prematurity Day: improving survival and quality of life for millions of babies born preterm around the world

World Prematurity Day: improving survival and quality of life for millions of babies born preterm around the world

Infant and child health status ahead of implementation of an integrated intervention to improve nutrition and survival: a cross-sectional baseline assessment

BackgroundBurundi has one of the poorest child health outcomes in the world. With an acute malnutrition rate of 5% and a chronic malnutrition rate of 56%, under five death is 78 per 1000 live births and 47 children for every 1000 children will live until their first birthday. In response to this grim statistics, Village Health Works, a Burundian-American organisation has invested in an integrated clinical and community intervention model to improve child health outcomes. The aim of this study is to measure and report on child health indicator ahead of implementing this model.MethodsA cross sectional design was employed, adopting the Demographic Health Survey methodology. We reached out to a sample of 952 households comprising of 2675 birth, in our study area. Mortality data was analysed with R package for mortality computation and other outcomes using SPSS. Principal component analysis was used to classify households into wealth quintiles. Logistic regression was used to assess strength of associations and significance of association was considered at 95% confidence level.ResultsThe incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was 6.4% at the study area compared to 10% at the national level with the strongest predictor being malnourished women (OR 1.4 95%CI 1.2–7.2 p = 0.043). Fever incidence was higher in the study area (50.5%) in comparison to 39.5% nationally. Consumption of minimum acceptable diet was showed a significant protection against fever (OR 0.64 95%CI 0.41–0.94 p = 0.042). Global Acute Malnutrition rate was 7.6% and this significantly reduced with increasing age of child. Under-five mortality rate was 32.1 per 1000 live births and infant mortality was 25.7 per 1000 in the catchment with most deaths happening within the first 28 days of life (57.3%).ConclusionImproving child health status is complex, therefore, investing into an integrated intervention for both mother and child could yield best results. Given that most under-five deaths occurred in the neonatal period, implementing integrated clinical and community newborn care interventions are critical.

Using propensity scores to estimate the effectiveness of maternal and newborn interventions to reduce neonatal mortality in Nigeria

BackgroundNigeria is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, with one of the highest neonatal mortality rates and the second highest number of neonatal deaths in the world. There is broad international consensus on which interventions can most effectively reduce neonatal mortality, however, there is little direct evidence on what interventions are effective in the Nigerian setting.MethodsWe used the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and the follow-up 2014 Verbal and Social Autopsy study of neonatal deaths to estimate the association between neonatal survival and mothers’ and neonates’ receipt of 18 resources and interventions along the continuum of care with information available in the NDHS. We formed propensity scores to predict the probability of receiving the intervention or resource and then weighted the observations by the inverse of the propensity score to estimate the association with mortality. We examined all-cause mortality as well as mortality due to infectious causes and intrapartum related events.ResultsAmong 19,685 livebirths and 538 neonatal deaths, we achieved adequate balance for population characteristics and maternal and neonatal health care received for 10 of 18 resources and interventions, although inference for most antenatal interventions was not possible. Of ten resources and interventions that met our criteria for balance of potential confounders, only early breastfeeding was related to decreased all-cause neonatal mortality (relative risk 0.42, 95% CI 0.32–0.52, p < 0.001). Maternal decision making and postnatal health care reduced mortality due to infectious causes, with relative risks of 0.29 (95% CI 0.09–0.88; 0.030) and 0.46 (0.22–0.95; 0.037), respectively. Early breastfeeding and delayed bathing were related to decreased mortality due to intrapartum events, although these are not likely to be causal associations.ConclusionAccess to immediate postnatal care and women’s autonomous decision-making have been among the most effective interventions for reducing neonatal mortality in Nigeria. As neonatal mortality increases relative to overall child mortality, accessible interventions are necessary to make further progress for neonatal survival in Nigeria and other low resource settings.

Newborn signal functions in Bangladesh: identification through expert consultation and assessment of readiness among public health facilities—study protocol using Delphi technique

IntroductionThere is a set of globally accepted and nationally adapted signal functions for categorising health facilities for maternal services. Newborn resuscitation is the only newborn intervention which is included in...

Effectiveness of Early Physiotherapy Interventions for Weight Gain in Low Birth Weight Neonates

Background: Prematurity is a leading cause of death in Indian scenario. There are lack of studies done on early physiotherapy interventions in neonates. Early care interventions in premature newborns show positive effect. Growth retardation and demineralisation of bones in newborn are thought to be caused by prolong immobilisation or lack of physical activities. In this study we are going to give combination of massage, passive movements, facilitatory techniques, joint compression and kangaroo mother care, which has not been done before. Indeed this made us to study the effectiveness of early physiotherapy intervention on weight gain in low birth weight neonates. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of early physiotherapy intervention on weight gain in moderate premature neonates (32–37 weeks), very premature (28–32 weeks) and extremely premature neonates (less than 28 weeks). Methods: Individuals fulfilling the inclusive criteria were selected. Written consent was taken from parents and care taker of neonates. Total 20 low birth weight neonates were taken. They were differentiated into moderate premature, very premature and extremely premature neonates. The weight was measured and breast feeding frequency was noted before treatment. Then the neonates were given massage, passive movements, proprioception stimulation by individual joint compression, oral stimulation and kangaroo mother care. This was given for 25-30 minutes each session for two times per day for 7 days. After that again weight and breast feeding frequency was checked to see progression. Later evaluation and interpretation was done using statistical analysis. Results: The early physiotherapy intervention is effective in low birth weight baby for improving weight in pre mature neonates. Conclusion: On the basis of result it can be concluded that the early physiotherapy is effective in improving weight, breast feeding frequency in low birth weight neonates. Hence, early physiotherapy interventions should be considered to decrease the morbidity and mortality rate of LBW neonates.

Tracking India’s Progress on Addressing Malnutrition Will Require Strengthening Survey and Administrative Data Systems

Abstract Objectives India has a nutrition policy framework that includes several evidence-based interventions. However, the availability of data to analyze coverage, assess equity and track progress on scaling up interventions is not known. We assessed data availability for nutrition interventions by reviewing multiple data systems in India. Methods Using the national policy framework, we identified 55 nutrition interventions for which coverage data were necessary to track progress. We examined questionnaires of three major household surveys. We also assessed monitoring data available in three major administrative systems. We summarized overall data availability by type of data system and across the life course. Results Of the 55 interventions, six interventions had data across all data sources. For nine interventions, no data was available from any source. For the remaining 46 interventions, data is available from at least one data source. Surveys had data on 36 interventions and administrative systems had data on 42 interventions. However, data definitions and denominators vary by source, making comparisons challenging. For adolescents, coverage data is scarce both in surveys and administrative systems. For pregnancy, multiple data sources are available on antenatal care, but gaps exist for nutrition interventions such as calcium supplementation, counseling and maternity benefits. For delivery and postnatal care, data is available on institutional deliveries and postnatal care but is limited for kangaroo mother care and breastfeeding counseling. Data is very limited for newborn care interventions. For early childhood, 9 of 13 interventions are available from different data sources. Conclusions Data on India's nutrition interventions are available from multiple sources but vary by intervention and by life-stage. Data are often not comparable across sources. Multiple data sources for some interventions requires careful reconciliation of findings from survey and administrative data systems. Data stewardship is critical to ensure effective use of data. Funding Sources Data for Decisions to Expand Nutrition Transformation (DataDENT) and Partnerships and Opportunities to Strengthen and Harmonize Actions for Nutrition in India (POSHAN), supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Graduate Midwifery Education in Uganda Aiming to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health Outcomes.

Background:Maternal and newborn health outcomes in Uganda have remained poor. The major challenge affecting the implementation of maternal and newborn interventions includes a shortage of skilled midwives. In 2013, Lira University, a Ugandan Public University, in partnership with Seed Global Health, started the first Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BScM) in Uganda with a vision to develop a Master of Science in Midwifery (MScM) in the future.Objective:Evaluate results of Lira University’s Bachelors in Midwifery program to help inform the development of a Masters in Midwifery program, which would expand midwifery competencies in surgical obstetric and newborn care.Methods:Lira University and Ministry of Health records provided data on curriculum content, student enrollment and internships. The internship reports of the graduate midwives were reviewed to collect data on their employment and scope of practice. Interviews were also conducted with the graduates to confirm the added skills they were able to apply and their outcomes.Findings:The critical competences incorporated into the Bachelor in Midwifery curriculum included competences to care for pre- and post-operative caesarian section patients or assist in a caesarean section, newborn care (e.g. resuscitation from birth asphyxia), anesthesia, and theatre techniques, among others. Overall, 356 students (40.2% male, 59.8% female) enrolled in the BScM program over the period 2013–2018. Annual data shows an increasing trend in enrollment. Of the 32 graduates in January 2019, 87.6% were employed in maternal and newborn healthcare facilities, and 12.4% were employed in midwifery private practice. Follow-up interviews revealed that the graduate midwives reported positive maternal and newborn outcomes and the ability to practice advanced obstetrics and newborn care skills they acquired from the training.Conclusion:There is growing interest in a graduate midwifery education program in Uganda for both male and female students. The retention of the graduate midwives in healthcare facilities gives a renewed hope for mothers and newborns, who benefit from their extra obstetrics and newborn care competences in settings where there are neither medical doctors nor obstetricians and gynecologists.Recommendations:Further, larger tracer studies of the graduate midwives to identify the kinds of obstetric surgeries and newborn care services they ably performed and their corresponding maternal and newborn health outcomes is recommended. Also recommended is advocacy for recognition of extra skills of graduate midwives by health authorities in Uganda and the region.

\u201cThe cord is the child\u201d: meanings and practices related to umbilical cord care in Central Uganda

BackgroundInfections account for a quarter of all newborn deaths and the umbilical cord has been identified as a major route of newborn infections.ObjectiveTo explore the meanings and practices related to the umbilical cord among caretakers of newborns in central Uganda.MethodsThis was a qualitative study, designed to inform the design, and interpretation of a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine use for the umbilical cord. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews exploring umbilical cord care practices among ten mothers, four health workers, five traditional birth attendants, and three men. We also conducted three focus group discussions with young mothers and elderly women. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze our findings and we borrow upon Mary Douglas’ concepts of dirt to present our findings.ResultsThe umbilical cord had a symbolic position in newborn care. The way it was perceived and handled had far reaching consequences for the survival and wellbeing of the baby. The umbilical cord was a centre of anxiety, a possible gate to illness, a test of fatherhood and a signifier of parental responsibility. Hence, the umbilical cord and the way it was cared for played a part in the present and future survival of the baby, as well as the survival and wellbeing of the household. Persons other than the mother such as older female relatives were very influential in the care of the umbilical cord.ConclusionsThe umbilical cord carried symbolic meanings, which extended beyond the newborn and the newborn period, and in turn influenced the various practices of umbilical cord care. The important position of the cord in local newborn care practices should be recognized and taken into consideration when scaling up newborn care interventions in the country.

Incidence of newborn resuscitative interventions at birth and short-term outcomes: a regional population-based study

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and characteristics of resuscitative interventions at different gestational ages and short-term outcomes after resuscitation.Design, setting and patientsA prospective observational study in an unselected population at Stavanger...

Knowledge and practice of immediate newborn care among midwives and nurses in public health facilities of Afar regional state, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundThe care given to newborns immediately within the first few hours of birth is critical for their survival. However, their survival depends on the health professional’s knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate newborn care interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of immediate newborn care among nurses and midwives in public health facilities of Afar Regional State, Northeast Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution based cross-sectional study design was employed on 357 nurses and midwives working in 48 public health facilities (45 health centers and 3 hospitals) during April 2018. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire and observation checklist. Then, data were entered into Epi-info version 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to estimate odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. A p-value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsOverall, 53.8% [95% CI: (48.6, 59.0%)] and 62.7% [(95% CI: (57.7, 67.8%))] of the health professionals (midwives and nurses) had adequate knowledge and good practice on immediate newborn care, respectively. Working in hospital [AOR: 4.62; 95% CI (1.76, 12.10)], being a female [AOR: 0.59; 95% CI (0.39, 0.98)] and interested in providing newborn care [AOR: 0.29; 95% CI (0.13, 0.68)] were positively associated with having adequate knowledge on immediate newborn care. On the other hand, having work experience of < 5 years [AOR: 0.33; 95% CI (0.14, 0.78)], inadequate knowledge [AOR: 0.39; 95% CI (0.25, 0.64)], having work load [AOR: 2.09; 95% CI (1.17, 3.73)], being not interested to provide immediate newborn care [AOR: 0.35; 95% CI (0.16, 0.74)] and working in health center [AOR: 8.56; 95% CI (2.39, 30.63)] were negatively associated with good immediate newborn care practices.ConclusionsA significant number of nurses and midwives had inadequate knowledge and poor practice on immediate newborn care. Therefore, providing a comprehensive newborn care training and creating an opportunity for nurses and midwives working at health centers to share experience from those hired in hospitals are very crucial to improve their knowledge and skills on newborn care.