Incidence of neonatal morbidity at Gondar Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality rates are now recognized indicators of child health in many countries and regions of the world. To this effect, there are numerous epidemiological and clinical studies that have focused on the causes of perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality in a given community or country. But, information on neonatal morbidity rates are not generally available.' The very limited data on neonatal morbidity also have problems of definition and are not as unambiguous and comprehensive as are the indices of mortality. Morbidity health interview surveys are widely used in developed countries to obtain information about sickness, disability, and the use of health facilities. An alternative method for collecting morbidity information is a survey based on physical examination where subjects are expected to attend a clinic or to be examined in their dwelling places. Use of clinical medical records also provide information on health as the need arises. Each of these systems of collecting information have their own advantages and disadvantages.