An Assessment of the Overall Mortality of Low Birth Weight Neonates at the New Birth Units of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya (Published)
Neonatal mortality is a leading health problem world over and more so in the developing countries. Neonatal mortality is a major contributor to infant mortality in the developing countries accounting for up to 50% of the infant mortality rate. This paper examined the overall mortality of low birth weight neonates at the new birth unit (NBU) at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya. The study was carried out among 159 neonates with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams and admitted to the NBU of MTRH. From the study findings it was concluded that the mortality rate of low birth neonates at MTRH newborn unit is quite high. The mortality is much higher compared to the developed world and also in some other 3rd world countries. Measures to reduce the incidence of birth asphyxia need to be put in place. Blood cultures should be done as a routine whenever sepsis is suspected to give a guide on the choice of antibiotics.
Keywords: Kenya, Low Birth Weight Neonates, Moi Teaching, New Birth Unit, Overall Mortality, Referral Hospital
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE OVERALL MORTALITY OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES AT THE NEW BIRTH UNITS OF THE MOI TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN ELDORET, KENYA (Published)
Neonatal mortality is a leading health problem world over and more so in the developing countries. Neonatal mortality is a major contributor to infant mortality in the developing countries accounting for up to 50% of the infant mortality rate. This paper examined the overall mortality of low birth weight neonates at the new birth unit (NBU) at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya. The study was carried out among 159 neonates with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams and admitted to the NBU of MTRH. From the study findings it was concluded that the mortality rate of low birth neonates at MTRH newborn unit is quite high. The mortality is much higher compared to the developed world and also in some other 3rd world countries. Measures to reduce the incidence of birth asphyxia need to be put in place. Blood cultures should be done as a routine whenever sepsis is suspected to give a guide on the choice of antibiotics.
Keywords: Kenya, Low Birth Weight Neonates, Moi Teaching, New Birth Unit, Overall Mortality, Referral Hospital