Transportation services for neonates referred to a secondary level health care facility in rural Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Neonatal transportation, when done adequately, has been associated with reduced morbidity and mortality among referred neonates. In many developing countries, safe and specialized system for neonatal transportation has not been adequately considered and this has a contribution to a burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality specifically in sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes attributes of neonatal transportation services from primary to secondary health care facility in rural Tanzania and predictors of short-term outcome.

Methods: This was part of the larger study conducted in Iringa Regional Referral hospital conducted from April - June 2023 looking at neonatal mortality and associated factors. Participants were consecutively recruited into study including those who were referred from primary health care facilities across the region and whose parents or care giver provided a written consent. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire and inspection of the transportation vehicle used on arrival. Frequency tables were used to summarize the data with logistic regression performed to assess predictors of poor condition on arrival.

Results: Most of the participants were male neonates (61.3%) weighing more than 2500 g at birth with the gestation age of 37 weeks or more (58.7%). Upon arrival, over half of the participants (53.3%) had referral notes readily available. Majority of the neonates were transported by a public ambulance (72%) but only 1.9% of these had respiratory and cardiovascular system supporting equipment. Two-third of the escorting health personnel had no training on neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care. Neonates who traveled for over 30 min were more likely to arrive in critical condition, AOR = 6, 95%CI (1.44-18.18) compared to those who used less time.

Conclusion: Enhancing neonatal transportation services in rural Tanzania is crucial for specialized care and safety, ultimately impacting morbidity and mortality rates.