Postnatal care and acceptability of emollient therapy in very low birthweight infants in Harare, Zimbabwe: a qualitative analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preterm birth (birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy) is the leading cause of neonatal and child under-five mortality globally, both of which are highest regionally in sub-Saharan Africa. The skin barrier plays a critical role in neonatal health and increasing evidence supports the use of topical emollient therapy to promote postnatal growth and reduce hospital-acquired infections in preterm infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends emollient therapy in preterm or low birthweight infants globally but calls for further research on impacts of emollient use, especially in Africa. Little is known about postnatal skincare practices and the tradition of oil massage across sub-Saharan Africa. Further documentation is necessary to understand the co

SUBMITTER: Hui A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10943868 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature