Community-based follow-up of very low birth weight neonates discharged from a regional hospital in Cape Town: a descriptive study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neonatal mortality remains a global health concern. In South Africa, 32% of under-five mortality consists of neonates, with 48% of neonatal deaths attributed to prematurity. The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) aim to reduce deaths of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates through community health worker (CHW) home visits.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe a cohort of VLBW neonates discharged from a regional hospital including their community follow-up, clinical outcomes and caregivers' perceptions of the HCBS.

Methods

This was a descriptive mixed methods study. Routine hospital health information from 1 January to 31 December 2018 was analysed to describe the cohort. The referral pathway and follow-up were assessed through stakeholder meetings

SUBMITTER: de Wit TMG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11849016 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature