Pattern of neonatal admission at the children's hospital and the institute of child health, Multan

Neonatology is a rapidly growing paediatric sub-specialty all over the world. Neonatal disease pattern changes from time to time and place. Analyzing the neonatal admission pattern helps the policy makers to make the better strategies and health care givers to serve better. This was a descriptive study. The study data was collected of the patient admitted in neonatal unit of Children Hospital Complex and Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan from 1[st] January 2010 to 31[st] December 2010. The data of all the admitted neonates was analysed according to their causes of admission in whole one year whether admitted through emergency department or OPD clinic. Total numbers of neonatal admissions were 3,560. Birth asphyxia was found to be major cause of admission, 1,230 patients [34.5%]. Among infections, sepsis was found in as a whole in 1,009 [28.3%] of admission, pneumonia in 170 [4.7%] and meningitis in 30 [0.8%]. Out of 3,560 patients admitted, 2,550 were discharged after improvement, 290 died, and 720 left against medical advice [LAMA]. Birth asphyxia, sepsis and prematurity are the main reasons for admission in neonatal age. By paying good attention to perinatal services, we can reduce morbidity and mortality in neonates.

Prevention of diarrhea; the role of health education

To identify the role of health education in reducing diarrheal diseases in children by improving awareness among mothers regarding, washing hands with soap and water, safe feeding practices i.e. avoiding feeding left over food, use of boiled water and keeping surrounding clean. It is a quasi experimental study. Children Hospital Complex [CDDU-CHC] From March to August 2005 A total of [n= 400] mothers were randomly selected and health education was imparted during their stay in ward, Oral Rehydration Therapy [ORT] corner and Out Patient Department [OFD] visits through lectures, posters, charts, practical demonstrations and individual counseling. After this intervention, the mothers who had completed at least four follow up visits at 6 months, were studied again as at the base line on various aspects and data was analyzed in terms of percentages and frequencies. At 6 months the environmental sanitation and personal hygiene of the mothers were improved. There was marked improvement in hand washing practices, avoidance of feeding leftovers and use of boiled water. There was overall reduction in the incidence of diarrhea. Heath education is an effective tool in bringing about a positive behavior modification in mothers and thus reducing incidence of diarrhea