Factors associated with neonatal danger signs among high risk mothers during perinatal period

Abstract

Background and objective: Complications during pregnancy and labour increase the risk of perinatal mortality fivefold which in turn has a negative effect on the neonate. Despite several studies have examined the determinants of neonatal mortality, limited studies have explored neonatal danger signs which potentially cause morbidity. This study aimed to assess danger signs observed in neonates at the different times so early, early, and late to identify associated factors with neonatal danger signs \& to determine the relationship between danger signs at different times and maternal danger signs/complications of high risk mothers.

Subjects & Method: Setting: This study was conducted in the Obstetrics Department at Women's Health Center, Assiut University Hospital, Egypt. Sample: A total of 150 postpartum women and their delivered newborns were included and completed the questionnaire from April to the end of July 2017. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study in which structured interviewer managed questionnaire using face-to-face used to collect data.

Results: The present findings revealed that nearly three-quarters (75.3%) and more than two-thirds (67.3%) of the total sample complained of antenatal & postnatal danger signs respectively and consequently the majority (80%) of their neonates had so early neonatal danger signs/complications with a most frequent one in the form of neonatal jaundice. A positive significant correlation was apparent between so early & early neonatal danger signs and maternal antenatal and postpartum danger signs. Educational level, maternal age, occupation & parity were considered significant factors affected neonatal danger signs.

Conclusions: A highly percentage of neonates were born with so early danger signs. Maternal factors can be used to predict neonatal health condition at birth and 7th days postpartum with marked decline at 28th day postpartum.