1849 Effect of Home Visit on Mortality and Morbidity of Preterm Newborn

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm birth (<37 weeks) leads adverse perinatal outcomes, including neonatal and infant mortality and getting different sick.The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of home visit on mortality and morbidity of Preterm newborn. Method: This is a semi-experimental study in which Preterm newborn with fetal age of less than 37 weeks weighing below 2500 grams were placed in two groups of case (30 neonates) and control (30 neonates) randomly. Home visit was presented to case group for a period of 6 months after discharging from hospital. Control group received hospital routine cares and referred for visiting. Both groups were followed up for a period of 6 months. The samples of both groups were compared with each other from the view point of mortality and hospitalization. Collected data were analyzed using X2 and independent T test. Results: The mortality during first six months of life of both groups did not show any difference (P>0.05). However, the number of inpatient cases of neonates and also the number of their disease cases not required to be hospitalized during first six months of life among case group was less than that of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that, carrying out home visit by health care givers results in reducing the number of inpatient cases of neonates during first six months of life. Therefore, it is suggested to appoint home visit as a part of health programs to improve neonathal health.