TITLE:
Parent-Reported Reasons for Loss-to-Follow Up in Patients Hospitalized at the Neonatology Unit at Laquintinie
AUTHORS:
Eposse Ekoube Charlotte, Puepi Djike Yolande, Hassanatou Iyawa, Mandeng Ma Linwa Edgar, Epée Patricia, Mbonjo Bitsie Dora, Kedy Mangamba Koum Daniele-Christiane
KEYWORDS:
Loss-to-Follow Up, Cameroon, Neonates
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.14 No.4,
June
13,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Despite the known benefits of newborn follow-up clinics, attendance has historically been difficult. Infants with reported “follow-up difficulty” have a greater incidence of severe sensorimotor and cognitive deficits and poorer access to early intervention programs. Our objective was to determine the parent-reported reasons for loss-to-follow up in patients hospitalised at the neonatology unit of Laquintinie Hospital. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study through phone interviews with parents/caregivers of patients hospitalised at Laquintinie over a 2-year period from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022. A non-standardised structured interview guide was used for data collection. Loss-to-follow up referred to absence to at least one visit as recorded in the neonatal follow-up chart. All necessary administrative and ethical considerations were duly respected. Results: Most neonates were born through vaginal delivery (n = 313, 69.45%). The neonates were admitted at a median gestational age of 33 weeks (Q1-Q3; 32 - 35) and the median duration of hospitalisation was 12 days (Q1 - Q3; 8 - 18). A total of 23 neonates had died at the time of interview giving a mortality rate of 5.1%. The three most reported reasons for loss-to-follow-up was lack of money (n = 310, 68.13%), assumption that follow-up had ended (n = 37, 8.13%), and newborn that died (n = 23, 5.1%). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of financial constraints and absence of a robust follow-up system on poor uptake of neonatal follow-up post-discharge in resource limited settings like Cameroon. Our results serve as advocacy for national health insurance especially in neonates.