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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Pattern of Neonatal Mortality at a Special Care Baby Unit in Rivers State, Nigeria

Boma Awoala West, Uchenna Onubogu, Adaku Arthur

Asian Journal of Pediatric Research · pp. 15–25 · Published 25 Oct 2022

10.9734/ajpr/2022/v10i2192

Abstract

Background: Neonatal mortality rate is an important indicator which does not only reflect the overall health of a child and well-being but also assesses the social and economic development of a country. Aim: The study was carried out to determine the pattern and factors associated with neonatal mortality. Methods and Materials: It was a retrospective study carried out in the Special care Baby Unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. Results: Of 2,944 neonatal admissions, 358 died giving a mortality of 12.2% with male preponderance (M:F ratio of 1.5:1). Majority of the neonates who died were admitted within the first 24 hours of life 289(80.7%) and were delivered via Caesarean section 195(54.4%). Most deaths occurred in the first 7 days of life 189(52.8%). The commonest cause of mortality was neonatal sepsis 183 (51.1%) followed by perinatal asphyxia 178(49.7%) and prematurity 176(49.2%). Most mortalities occurred between 4.00pm and 7.59 am 218(61.0%) outside regular work hours. The lowest annual mortality was recorded in the year 2020 (6.36%) while the highest was in the year 2018 (19.27%). There was significant mortality within 24hours of admission among neonates < 1.5 kg as well as those with sepsis, anaemia and neonatal jaundice. Conclusion: The mortality rate of neonates in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital was high, 12.2% with neonatal sepsis, perinatal asphyxia and prematurity being the commonest causes which are largely preventable. There is therefore need to improve obstetric and newborn care to improve neonatal outcome.

Neonates mortality special care baby unit Rivers State

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