Evaluation of the Londrina newbor monitoring program

Abstract

The goal of this work was to analyze the Londrina Newborn Monitoring Program (MP), which gives priority to babies at greater risk of illness and death. The analyzed subjects were children born alive but with risk criteria, between January and June 2005 and who resided around the selected Basic Health Units (BHU), totaling 423 children. In addition, the lead nurses who coordinate these BHUs were interviewed. To identify the newborns´ risk criteria and their monitoring at the BHUs, this study used data provided by the Londrina Department of Health, registry books and evaluation records. The prevalence of live-born babies at risk was 20.9%. Among the babies at risk, 62.4% were classified as at risk because of their low weight; 26.2% were born of teenagers mothers; 12.0% were premature babies; 5.7% suffered neonatal asphyxia and 4.3% were considered at risk by doctor's judgment. It was estimated that 15.3% of the babies at risk were not being monitored. The results indicate that the MP enables identification, attendance and monitoring of the babies at risk. However, these efforts must be focused on the organization of the service in order to better establish this program.