Epidemiology of Neonates Hospitalized in NICU of Va Ii e Asr Hospital, Birjand, in 2005-2006

Providing, securing and promotion of newborns health as a vulnerable group are of high specific importance in health services. Considering the importance of neonatal deaths, this study was drawn up to determine the causes of mortality and morbidity and effective factors on neonates hospitalized in NICU of Va Ii e Asr hospital in 2005-2006 This was a descriptive- analytical study which was conducted on 445 neonate hospitalized in NICU of Vali e Asr hospital since April of 2005 to April of 2006. Census was the method of collecting the samples. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing demographic information of neonates, causes of hospitalization, demographic information of neonate's mothers especially those related with their pregnancy period and the method and result of treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS and chi-square test (P<0.05). 445 neonates with the mean age of 5.3±7.7 were studied overally. The most common reasons of hospitalization were respiratory distress (35.2%), prematurity (27.9%). Prematurity was determined as the most common fmal diagnosis. 43.1% of the neonates were preterm (gestational age less than 37 weeks), 41.8% of them were born by cesarean section method. The mean age of the mothers was 27±6.3 years. 20.7% of the neonates were expired which the most common causes of death were RDS (29.3%), prematurity (25%), and septicemia (13%). Special attention to neonatal period and special care for neonates born by mothers at risk, providing special health education, special care for these mothers and more attention to pregnancy care can play an important role in neonate hospitalization and morbidity reduction.