Publication:

Neonatal mortality contributors using the three delays audit: a study from Albuluk paediatrics teaching hospital in Sudan

Background In certain developing countries neonatal mortality rates still showed a slower decline. Many factors were attributed to neonatal mortality that varies from one country to another. This study investigated factors attributed to neonatal mortality in Sudan.

Methods Data was collected from 72 neonatal deaths records at Albuluk pediatrics' teaching hospital, and then it was analyzed using a modified three delays model to determine contributing delays.

Results 31.9% of neonatal mortality occurred on the first day after birth and 86.1% thereafter. Newborn characteristics showed that more than half of dead newborn were male and more than 80% admitted in the age of more than 2 days although there was 26% of involved newborn were preterm. About two third of deliveries were home deliveries and only 52% of the mothers were in regular antenatal care. The leading causes of death were sepsis and pneumonia in 83% followed by birth asphyxia in 11% of total neonatal mortality. Regarding the three delays audit; delay in decision making were present in 54.2% and that was due to inability of the mothers to recognize danger signs, delay in reaching the health care facility was present in 9.8% of the neonatal mortality, while delay in initiation of treatment in the healthcare facility was present in only 6.9%.

Conclusions Maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs and decision to seek medical care is a major contributor for neonatal mortality in this study. Further efforts should be exerting to raise knowledge of the mothers about danger signs of neonatal illness.