Abstract

Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health concern, particularly in developing regions, where access to quality healthcare and effective intervention strategies may be limited. This study investigates the rate of neonatal mortality and the associated factors contributing to neonatal deaths in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions aimed at reducing neonatal mortality and improving newborn survival rates.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at the Buea Regional Hospital over a one-year period. Data on neonatal outcomes, maternal characteristics, prenatal and antenatal care, and neonatal care practices were collected and analyzed. Variables considered included maternal age, birth complications, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and access to skilled care during delivery and postpartum.

Findings revealed a neonatal mortality rate of 25 per 1,000 live births, with preterm birth and low birth weight being the primary contributing factors. Additionally, neonates born to mothers who had received inadequate prenatal care or those with underlying health conditions were at a higher risk of mortality. Complications during birth, such as birth asphyxia and infections, also significantly contributed to neonatal deaths, emphasizing the need for early detection and timely intervention.

The study identified that inadequate access to healthcare resources, lack of trained neonatal healthcare personnel, and limited availability of essential equipment contributed to the persistence of high neonatal mortality rates in the region. Notably, maternal factors such as low socioeconomic status, poor nutritional status, and delayed initiation of antenatal care also played a role in adverse neonatal outcomes.

This study underscores the urgent need for policies and interventions to improve neonatal care, focusing on strengthening antenatal and prenatal services, enhancing maternal education, and providing healthcare facilities with essential neonatal care equipment and trained personnel. Implementing comprehensive maternal and neonatal health programs that include community education on early antenatal care, nutritional support for pregnant women, and strategies for early identification of high-risk pregnancies can help reduce neonatal mortality rates. Continuous training for healthcare providers on neonatal resuscitation and infection prevention is also recommended to improve neonatal survival at the Buea Regional Hospital.

Keywords: neonatal mortality, risk factors, prenatal care, Buea Regional Hospital, neonatal health, maternal factors, preterm birth, low birth weight.