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Unveiling the Silent Crisis What Drives Neonatal Near Miss in Ethiopia s Hospitals

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by

Vishnu
in

Introduction

Neonatal near missa term referring to life-threatening complications in newborns that are narrowly survivedrepresents a critical indicator of the quality of maternal and newborn care. A recent study conducted at Ambo University Referral Hospital and Ambo General Hospital in Ethiopia sheds light on the underlying causes behind these near-fatal events in neonates.
Visit https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com for more groundbreaking research in obstetrics and gynecology.

Key Findings from the Study

Involving 402 neonates (134 cases and 268 controls), this hospital-based case-control study identified several determinants that increase or decrease the likelihood of neonatal near miss (NNM). Here’s what the research uncovered:

  • Distance from healthcare facilities matters: Neonates born to mothers living ≥15 km from a health facility had 2.11 times higher odds of experiencing NNM.
  • Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial: Fewer than four ANC visits was associated with 6.55 times greater odds of NNM.
  • Pregnancy intention influences outcomes: Unwanted and unplanned pregnancies were 3.71 times more likely to result in NNM compared to planned pregnancies.
  • Delivery method impacts risk: Instrumental deliveries increased the odds of NNM by 4.62 times.
  • Gestational age and birth weight matter: Babies born between 37–41 weeks and those with normal birth weights (2.5–4 kg) had significantly lower odds of NNM.

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article.

A Broader Healthcare Perspective

The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that nearly 99% of neonatal deaths occur in developing countries. With over 2.7 million newborn deaths globally in 2015 alone, the importance of early intervention and healthcare access cannot be overstated.
Moreover, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) highlights that robust antenatal care and timely referrals can drastically reduce neonatal morbidity.

Takeaways for Healthcare Systems

To curb neonatal near miss rates, the study suggests:

  • Expanding healthcare access in remote areas through mobile clinics and transportation subsidies.
  • Promoting at least four ANC visits through community outreach programs.
  • Educating women on pregnancy planning and the benefits of healthcare services.
  • Limiting instrumental delivery use only to clinically justified scenarios.

For health professionals and policymakers, these insights reinforce the urgency of systemic improvements in maternal and neonatal health services.

Useful Resources & Further Reading

Call to Action

Understanding the determinants of neonatal near miss events is the first step toward prevention.
Explore more studies at https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article

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