Causes of Inadequate Coverage of Screening Programs for Congenital Diseases in Infants Born in North Health Center Area, Tehran

Early detection and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism، phenylketonuria (PKU)، and G6PD deficiency are among priorities of health system in Iran. This study was conducted in 2010 to investigate causes of inadequate coverage of neonatal screening in north Health Center area in Tehran. In this cross-sectional study، 595 parents were interviewed. Data were collected using a questionnaire and were analyzed in the SPSS-16. From 595 newborns، 544 (91. 4%) underwent screening; 75. 2% were screened in health centers، 13. 2% in hospitals of birth and 11. 6% in private sectors. Only 75. 2% of newborns underwent standardized screening. There were negative relationships between maternal age (p=0. 002)، and pregnancy gravidity with screening rate. There was a positive relationship between prenatal care in health centers (p=0. 024)، and knowledge of parents (p<0. 001) with screening rate. Setting of the s creening is the main reason for inadequate coverage of the program. To achieve a proper coverage، collaboration between health and medical sectors should be improved. Also، parents should be informed adequately on benefits of newborn screening program.