Incidence of neonatal morbidity at Gondar town, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence and pattern ofneonatal morbidity. DESIGN For all neonates delivered in the hospital at least one home visit was arranged to collect morbidity data during neonatal period. This collection took place for a period of one year from 1 September 1995 to 31 August 1996. SETTING Maternity Ward of the Gondar College of Medical Sciences Hospital. PATIENTS 320 neonates were visited at home and were evaluated for any morbidity. RESULTS Of the 320 neonates visited at home during the first 24 to 38 days post delivery 83 (25.9%) were found to be sick. URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection), jaundice, pneumonia and neonatal septicimia were diagnosed by physical examination. Non-breastfeeding was associated with neonatal morbidity (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The neonatal morbidity found during the home visit in this study is very high. A concerted effort is needed to improve both antenatal and postnatal care services to prevent neonatal morbidity and to identify sick neonates timely to provide appropriate care in this setting.