Tamiru Bogale*, Sani Yenus, Nigatu Woyessa and Lemessa Jira
Background: Despite a tangible drop in the newborn death in the previous years across the globe, neonatal mortality in resource limited countries is still distressingly elevated. Therefore this study aimed to assess the quality of immediate newborn care in the public health facility of Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia
Methods: Mixed case study design was employed on ten randomly selected public health facilities. 58 health care providers and 423 newborns were selected purposively during the study period. Data collection was done through a structured interview, in depth interviews, and observation. The quantitative data were entered and analysed via SPSS 23. The deductive qualitative data analysis technique was employed automatically through the predetermined framework.
Results: The overall mean quality of immediate newborn care after delivery in the public health facility of the region was 66% and it is perceived as poor by most respondents. The overall mean score of knowledge and practice of essential newborn care was 49.21%and 83.4% respectively. The average facility readiness of the public health facilities was found 51.7%. As a consequence, the neonatal mortality rate was 38 deaths per 1000 live birth in the studied public health facilities.
Conclusion: The quality of immediate newborn care was identified as poor in both quantitative and qualitative reports. The competency of health care providers, availability of resources, referral and linkage, and experience of care providers were the most compromised component of immediate newborn care. Improvements on quality of immediate newborn care could be attained through planned in service training, strengthening mentorship, and investing financial resources for pipe water supply and infrastructure, by using adaptable quality improvement initiatives.
Published Date: 2022-12-28; Received Date: 2022-11-30
