Abstract

SETUMBA, Mario J. et al. Mortality in Newborns with Low Birth Weight: Limits and Challenges for Universal Access. Port J Public Health [online]. 2018, vol.36, n.2, pp.95-101. ISSN 2504-3137.  https://doi.org/10.1159/000493959.

Objective: To analyze neonatal mortality of newborns with low birth weight from Angola and the limits of and challenges for the promotion of universal access to health in local context. Method: This is a descriptive retrospective study based on secondary data of hospital records of 2,100 low-birth-weight infants in Angola from 2007 to 2013. Results: During this period, the prevalence of lowbirth- weight infants was 7.5%, with 437 deaths, and 70.3% neonatal mortality. The following maternal and newborn characteristics were found: maternal age < 19 years, diseases during pregnancy, and low adherence to prenatal consultations, extreme low birth weight, very low birth weight, Apgar score of < 6, and gestational age < 37 weeks; all of which are consistent with conditions of social vulnerability. These factors and their interrelations can increase the occurrence of neonatal mortality and denote difficulties to access health. Conclusion: There is a significant number of preventable death which could be reduced in these groups by: vaccination actions, care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care, diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion. Death in these children could be avoided by a broad analysis of the social conditions and health services, taking into account adequate prenatal care, delivery, birth, and longitudinal follow-up, and searching for ways to access health with fairness, with qualified professional interventions, and the management of integral health care.

Keywords : Newborn; Low birth weight; Neonatal mortality; Access in health; Equity in health.

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