Looking at maternal inequalities (socioeconomic class, age and human immunodeficiency virus status) to predict well-being of neonates during infancy ()
ABSTRACT
Background:
Infant health inequalities responsible for high infant sicknesses and deaths
in our setting could depend to a large extend on maternal inequalities like
socioeconomic class (SEC), age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Objective: To look at maternal inequalities (SEC, Age and HIV), to predict
well-being of neonates during infancy. Methods: Subjects were selected using
systematic random sampling. Maternal education, occupation, age and HIV
status were obtained using a questionnaire; their SEC was derived using the
Oyedeji’s model. Gestational age (GA) of the neonates was estimated from their
mother’s last menstrual period, obstetric ultrasound scan reports or the Dubowitz
criteria; and birthweight (BW) was determined using the basinet weighing
scale, which has a sensitivity of 50 grams. Results: Ninety mother-neonatal
pairs were enrolled, 47 (52.2%) neonates were males and 43 (47.8%) females.
Most of the neonates were term 66 (73.3%) and of normal BW 75 (83.4%). A
significant association existed between maternal variables and the likely
hood of the subjects being less healthy during infancy (χ2 = 126.528, p < 0.005). Maternal age had a negative
correlation coefficient with GA (r = -0.200) and BW (r = -0.115) and comparison
of MA, GA and BW was significant (F = 2662.92, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The
combine effects of maternal SEC, Age and HIV have predicted less healthy
neonates during infancy. Neonates in the present work are more prone to
sicknesses and ill-health during infancy.
Share and Cite:
Ahmadu, B. (2013) Looking at maternal inequalities (socioeconomic class, age and human immunodeficiency virus status) to predict well-being of neonates during infancy.
Health,
5, 1-5. doi:
10.4236/health.2013.58A4001.
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