Oxygen management among infants in neonatal units in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional survey.
J Perinatol 2021;
41:2631-2638. [PMID:
33772113 PMCID:
PMC7995672 DOI:
10.1038/s41372-021-01040-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To provide more comprehensive data on the management of oxygen supplementation in neonates in sub-Saharan Africa.
STUDY DESIGN
An online survey on the management of oxygen supplementation for infants in neonatal units was sent to 278 healthcare personnel in sub-Saharan Africa.
RESULTS
One hundred and nine responses from 82 neonatal care units in 54% (26/48) sub-Saharan African countries were received. All units had the capacity to provide oxygen supplementation. However, only 50% (38/76) had access to blend oxygen with medical air and 1% (1/75) had the capacity to blend oxygen/air for every infant. Although 96% (72/75) of units could monitor oxygen saturation, monitoring was mostly intermittent and only 32% (24/75) were able to monitor oxygen saturation in every infant receiving oxygen supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate that oxygen supplementation is inadequately managed in neonatal units in sub-Saharan Africa, which may put infants at risk of developing severe ROP.
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