An Analysis of Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in Azare, North- Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

An Analysis Of Neonatal Morbidity And Mortality In Azare, NorthEastern Nigeria. Background: Mortality occurring among babies less than 28 days of life comprises about 40% of all under-five deaths. Improvement on neonatal statistics is thus crucial to the attainment of the fourth millennium development goal (MDG). Objective: To describe the pattern of morbidity and mortality of in-patients as seen in the Special Care Baby Unit of the Federal Medical Centre Azare, Northeastern Nigeria over a 12-month period. Methods: Retrospective data of sequential admissions into the SCBU from 1st January to 31st December 2012 were analysed. Results: A total of 328 babies were admitted in the SCBU during the study period. Of these 179(54.6%) were males and 149(45.6%) females. Major causes of admission were neonatal sepsis with 108 (32.9%), prematurity 78 (23.8%), and Perinatal asphyxia 62 (18.9%). Two hundred and eight (63.4%) were discharged, and 17(5.2%) discharged against medical advice (DAMA). The mortality rate was 25.9% (85 patients), with prematurity accounting for 27 (31.8%), and perinatal asphyxia 23 (27.1%) of the mortalities. Conclusion: There is a high neonatal mortality rate as well as high case fatality rates from largely preventable diseases. Improvement can be achieved by accelerated action in the context of Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) strategy and MDGs' objectives.