Title:
INVESTIGATING THE DETERMINANTS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS IN LIBERIA
Authors:
Beh, Jamesetta
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2022
PAGE:
xi, 59
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Neonatal sepsis, Liberia, umbilical cord care, cultural cord practices Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract:
Background: Neonatal sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome from infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, continues to be one of the leading causes of hospitalization and deaths among neonates in Liberia. Severe infection accounts for about 28% of newborn mortality in Liberia which stands currently at 37 deaths per 1000 live births according to the LDHS 2019-2020 report and UNICEF reported 22% of all neonatal deaths in Liberia were as a result of sepsis in 2016. Objective: The research aimed to explore the multitude of factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Liberia. Study method: A review of relevant literature from across Sub-Saharan Africa was done with analysis being guided by a framework developed for the unique purpose of this study based on the child survival framework from Mosley and Chen and factors influencing neonatal mortality from Titaley et al. Findings: Improper umbilical cord care at home, poor hygiene practices during home delivery and inadequate supply of infection prevention and control materials to health facilities were found to have contributed to neonatal sepsis in Liberia. Other major contributing factors included the late initiation of antenatal care by young mothers, complications of female genital mutilation during pregnancy and delivery and traditional childbirth practices while maternal age, parity, birth interval, political and economic factors played significant roles. Conclusion and recommendation: Several factors related to infection prevention and control, were found to be associated with increased occurrences of neonatal sepsis and lower socio-economic status was associated with poor hygiene practices. Policies on chlorhexidine umbilical cord care and improved hand hygiene practices have been recommended.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Liberia
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health/International Course in Health Development
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2022 Beh
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
cHerLaFGWh_20231122153427804.pdf