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Nationwide Survey on Neonatal Critical Congenital Cardiopathies in Mexico: Data from 76 Public Health Service
Nina Mendez-Dominguez1, Ely Sanchez-Felix1, Joan Johnson-Herrera1
1IMSS-Bienestar, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Peninsula de Yucatan, Mérida 97130, Mexico.
Insights
Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening is not widely implemented in Mexico
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Early detection of critical congenital heart diseases (CCHDs) is crucial for reducing adverse outcomes.
- In utero detection is ideal, but screening at birth remains vital for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current status of CCHD screening implementation in Mexican public health service hospitals.
- To identify barriers and facilitators affecting neonatal cardiac screening.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 76 hospitals within Mexico's public health services.
- Descriptive statistics and association analyses were performed (significance at p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- Only 12% of hospitals routinely implemented CCHD screening; 20% used variable criteria.
- Lack of equipment, space, trained personnel, and training were primary obstacles.
- Mandatory screening implementation correlated with perceived lack of protocols.
Conclusions:
- Routine nationwide CCHD screening in Mexico faces significant implementation challenges.
- Addressing resource limitations and developing standardized guidelines are key to improving screening rates.
Abstract:
When the resources are available, critical congenital heart diseases (CCHDs) should ideally be detected in utero; however, their later detection at birth can still reduce negative outcomes and risks. This study aimed to assess the extent of cardiac screening implementation in a national sample of hospitals within Mexico's public health services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify the barriers and facilitators to neonatal screening using a sample of 76 hospitals. The descriptive statistics and associations were analyzed, with significance set at p < 0.05. Only 12% of hospitals reported the routine implementation of CCHD screening, while 20% used variable screening criteria. A potential mandatory implementation of CCHD screening was associated with increased odds of perceiving the lack of protocols and guidelines as a barrier. The most frequently reported obstacles involved a lack of the following: equipment, designated physical space, trained personnel, and adequate training. Nevertheless, the facilitators identified suggest that when combined with standardized guidelines and protocols, routine nationwide implementation may be achievable.
