COVID-19 preparedness-a survey among neonatal care providers in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate COVID-19 pandemic preparedness, available resources, and guidelines for neonatal care delivery among neonatal health care providers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across all continents.

Study design

Cross-sectional, web-based survey administered between May and June, 2020.

Results

Of 189 invited participants in 69 LMICs, we received 145 (77%) responses from 58 (84%) countries. The pandemic provides significant challenges to neonatal care, particularly in low-income countries. Respondents noted exacerbations of preexisting shortages in staffing, equipment, and isolation capabilities. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 9/35 (26%) respondents noted increased mortality in non-COVID-19-infected infants. Clinical practices on cord clamping, isolation,

SUBMITTER: Klingenberg C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8042838 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature