Morbidity and mortality among Egyptian neonates and infants: rates and associated factors

Among 2,128 women residing in two Egyptian governorates with differing socio-economic backgrounds, who were interviewed after giving birth between 1994 and 1996, 181 experienced an early foetal death, 34 had stillbirths, and 1,908 each had a live birth. Among the live births, there were 35 neonatal deaths and 42 post-neonatal deaths. A high percentage of the women sought prenatal care, beginning early in pregnancy, from both government health facilities (GHF) and private physicians. Problem-based care was typically directed to private physicians whereas routine care was largely directed to GHF. Diagnostic procedures were not routinely performed at GHF. The women recognized symptoms which may be associated with adverse outcomes, but health-seeking based on this recognition was inconsistent. Most deliveries were conducted by Egyptian traditional birth attendants, in homes. Anaesthesia and medications to accelerate labour were commonly administered by all types of practitioners in home deliveries. Perinatal mortality was mid-range by global standards, with most deaths occurring at home rather than in hospitals. Although care was sought for most infants with diarrhoea, respiratory infections and fever, neonates with these symptoms were rarely given oral rehydration therapy or antibiotics.