International Journal of Epidemiology 2002;31:648-653
© International Epidemiological Association 2002
Infectious Diseases |
Neonatal tetanus: mortality rate and risk factors in Loralai District, Pakistan
a WHO EPI/Polio Eradication Program, Balochistan, Pakistan.
b Foodborne and Diarrheal Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, AtlantaGA, USA.
c Community Health Science Department, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
d Department of Pediatrics, Sandemen Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan.
Background This study was conducted to estimate the neonatal tetanus (NNT) mortality rate and to identify the risk factors for NNT deaths in Loralai District, Pakistan.
Method We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey during July–September 1997. We stratified the sample proportionate to population of union councils. The most populous village in a union council was selected first. We interviewed the women, selected randomly, who had a live birth in the 18 months preceding the survey. We conducted a matched case-control study to identify the risk factors for NNT deaths. We used the World Health Organization criteria to enrol cases, identified during the cross-sectional survey or registered at the district hospital. We enrolled three community-based controls per case, matched on the area of residence, immunization status and date of birth.
Results Of the 1547 live births, there were 36 neonatal deaths due to tetanus. The NNT mortality rate in the district was 23 per 1000 live births (95% CI: 16–30). For the case-control study, we enrolled 41 cases and 123 controls. Using conditional logistic regression, the risk of NNT death was increased with the use of soil as delivery surface (O.R = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1–10.2), father's illiteracy (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3–8.1) and possession of sheep at home (OR = 2, 95% CI: 1.0–5.0). The population attributable risk per cent for soil as delivery surface was 64%.
Conclusion Transmission of infection while using soil as the delivery surface can occur through direct or indirect contamination of the fresh umbilical wound. Use of safer delivery practices in general and clean surfaces in particular should be encouraged to reduce the NNT mortality rate in the area.
Keywords Neonatal tetanus, mortality rate, District Loralai, elimination, delivery surface
Accepted 22 November 2001
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