Background This study examined whether mobile phone-based support improve the rates, duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as well as infant growth patterns in Nigeria. Methods A 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial with 75 participants assigned to receive ‘usual care’ or ‘mobile phone-based support in addition to usual care’ EBF rates and duration as well as anthropometric measurements of infants before and after intervention were compared using proportions and mean differences. Results Attrition rates of 10.7% and 14.7% were observed in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Treatment groups were identical in all baseline characteristics and participants in the intervention group showed a slower rate of decline in the practice of EBF. The mean difference of 0.6 months (95% confidence interval: −0.22, 1.42) in EBF duration between intervention and control groups was not statistically significant (t = 1.45; p = 0.149). Similarly, the difference in the EBF rates at the 6th month for the intervention (55.2%) and control (46.8%) groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.623; p = 0.430). Although the intervention group had significantly higher mean weight (p = 0.030) and length (p = 0.044) at the 6th month, the difference in the gain in weight and length of these infants over the period was only significant for the weight (p = 0.044). Although the incidence of adverse clinical nutritional status was more in the control group, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Mobile phone-based intervention has positive effects on the rate and duration of EBF as well as the growth of young infants. Sustaining this simple and cheap technology will improve infant wellbeing especially in resource-constrained settings.

Background: Neonatal mortality rate is an important indicator which does not only reflect the overall health of a child and well-being but also assesses the social and economic development of a country. Aim: The study was carried out to determine the pattern and factors associated with neonatal mortality. Methods and Materials: It was a retrospective study carried out in the Special care Baby Unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. Results: Of 2,944 neonatal admissions, 358 died giving a mortality of 12.2% with male preponderance (M:F ratio of 1.5:1). Majority of the neonates who died were admitted within the first 24 hours of life 289(80.7%) and were delivered via Caesarean section 195(54.4%). Most deaths occurred in the first 7 days of life 189(52.8%). The commonest cause of mortality was neonatal sepsis 183 (51.1%) followed by perinatal asphyxia 178(49.7%) and prematurity 176(49.2%). Most mortalities occurred between 4.00pm and 7.59 am 218(61.0%) outside regular work hours. The lowest annual mortality was recorded in the year 2020 (6.36%) while the highest was in the year 2018 (19.27%). There was significant mortality within 24hours of admission among neonates < 1.5 kg as well as those with sepsis, anaemia and neonatal jaundice. Conclusion: The mortality rate of neonates in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital was high, 12.2% with neonatal sepsis, perinatal asphyxia and prematurity being the commonest causes which are largely preventable. There is therefore need to improve obstetric and newborn care to improve neonatal outcome.

Aim: There is paucity of literature on the prevalence of neonatal anaemia globally thus aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, determine the associations and the clinical outcome of neonates with anaemia. Study Design: This was a descriptive prospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out among neonates admitted in the Special Care Baby Unit of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital over one year. Methodology: A convenient sampling size of 402 neonates who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: Of 402 neonates assessed, 106(26.4%) had anaemia with PCV less than 42%.   Anaemia was observed more in males 56(52.8%), neonates delivered via Caesarean section 74(69.8%) and at gestational age less than 37 weeks 53(50%). Mild anaemia was observed mostly, 66(62.3%). Common pregnancy complications of mothers with anaemic babies were prolonged rupture of membranes 17(35.4%) and hypertension in pregnancy 14(29.2%) while the commonest morbidities in these neonates were probable sepsis 65(63.8%), neonatal jaundice 53(52%) and prematurity 53(52%). There was significant difference in anaemic and non-anaemic neonates with regards to mothers with gestational diabetes (P value < 0.0001). The factors associated with severe anaemia were probable sepsis and the duration of stay. Blood transfusion was carried out in 27(25.5%) neonates. An overall mortality of 7.5% was documented, severe anaemia being highest (21.4%). Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia was high being 26.4% and was observed more in males, preterms and babies delivered via Caesarean section. There was significant difference in anaemic and non-anaemic neonates with regards to mothers with gestational diabetes. Probable sepsis and duration of stay were significantly associated with severe anaemia. The mortality rate in neonates with anaemia was 7.5% thus there is need to assess newborns for anaemia with prompt intervention to prevent morbidity, mortality and long term sequelae.