Pattern of Neonatal Danger Signs and its Related Factors in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Area of Science:

• Neonatal health
• Pediatrics
• Public health

Background:

• Limited data exists on neonatal danger signs and risk factors in Bangladesh.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for improving newborn survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of neonatal danger signs and associated risk factors in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh.
• To inform targeted interventions for neonatal care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 259 mothers and neonates at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
• Data collected via interviews using a WHO-UNICEF questionnaire and hospital records.
• Analysis performed using SPSS 20.0.

Main Results:

• Over 20% of neonates exhibited at least one danger sign, with feeding problems and respiratory distress being most common.
• Risk factors included home delivery, lack of skilled birth attendance, birth injuries, and improper cord cutting.
• Maternal factors like low ANC visits and comorbidities were also noted.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal danger signs are prevalent, highlighting critical gaps in maternal and newborn care.
• Interventions should focus on promoting facility-based deliveries and skilled birth attendance.
• Addressing identified risk factors is essential to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.