Infant mortality remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neonatal deaths account for nearly 47% of all under-five mortality worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest rates (WHO, 2024). In Nigeria, neonatal mortality is estimated at 36 deaths per 1,000 live births, with rural states like Taraba reporting even higher figures due to limited healthcare access and inadequate neonatal care services (UNICEF, 2023).
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) provide specialized interventions to improve survival rates among preterm and critically ill infants. These interventions include respiratory support, infection management, phototherapy for jaundice, thermoregulation, and parenteral nutrition (Lawn et al., 2024). However, disparities in the availability and quality of NICU services exist across Nigeria, with states like Taraba facing challenges such as insufficient trained personnel, poor infrastructure, and limited access to essential neonatal equipment.
While NICU interventions have been proven to reduce infant mortality in developed countries, their effectiveness in resource-limited settings like Taraba State remains underexplored. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of NICU interventions on infant survival rates and identify factors affecting neonatal healthcare delivery in the region.
Despite advances in neonatal care, infant mortality remains high in Taraba State, with many neonates succumbing to preventable complications such as respiratory distress, sepsis, and hypothermia. The lack of well-equipped NICUs, shortage of skilled neonatal nurses, and poor referral systems contribute to the persistence of neonatal deaths (Aliyu & Musa, 2024).
Existing studies highlight the role of NICU interventions in improving neonatal survival, yet little research has been conducted on their implementation and outcomes in Taraba. If these challenges are not addressed, infant mortality rates will remain unacceptably high, undermining efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, which aims to end preventable neonatal deaths by 2030. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of NICU interventions in reducing infant mortality in Taraba State.
This study will focus on hospitals and healthcare centers in Taraba State that provide neonatal care, particularly those with NICU facilities. Limitations may include incomplete hospital records on neonatal outcomes, differences in the level of NICU services across healthcare facilities, and potential reluctance of healthcare staff to disclose challenges.
Background of the Study:
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Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
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Chapter One: Introduction
Background to the Study
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
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