Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Neonatal period is the most susceptible period of life as diseases occurring during this period are majorly preventable. Nearly two third of infant deaths occur within first 28 days of life1, out of which maximum deaths occur within first week of life 2. Nearly 98% of total deaths in neonatal period are mainly caused by infection, asphyxia, LBW and prematuriy2.
Objectives:
1) To study the morbidity patterns and treatment outcomes in neonates managed in Sick Newborn Care Units of Lucknow.
2) To suggest measures (if, any) to improve the services provided for management of neonates in Sick Newborn Care Units.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 neonates managed in Sick Newborn Care Units of district Lucknow. Out of 5 government SNCUs in Lucknow, 3 were randomly chosen. The schedule was pretested on 10 percent of the total sample of neonates admitted to SNCU.
Results: Out of 360 neonates, 65.8% were directly admitted with presenting complain of low birth weight. Majority (88.1%) of neonates were successfully discharged, while 3.1% got expired. Most of the deaths were reported due to respiratory distress syndrome.
Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that all health care providers need to be extensively trained on sick newborn care. Women need to be educated more on neonatal and early neonatal care. The community needs to be informed and made aware of Sick Newborn Care Units.
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