GENERAL INFECTIONS IN THE NEWBORN WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO EAST AFRICA.
1964; National Institutes of Health; Volume: 67; Linguagem: Inglês
Autores Tópico(s)
Migration, Identity, and Health
ResumoMost births in East Africa take place in the home under the supervision of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Neonatal mortality tends to be high and some of the procedures followed by the TBAs may increase the risk of infection for the newborn. The practice of instructing the mother to push violently during delivery may result in the rupture of tissues in the birth canal and expose the infant to infection. The delivery is frequently performed on the floor and the floor may be contaminated by tetanus spores. Most TBAs wear soiled clothing and do not wash prior to performing deliveries; they are more likely to bathe and put on clean clothing after delivering a baby. The umbilical cord is often cut with tools used for other purposes and cow dung as well as other substances are used as umbilical dressings. Many infectious diseases are not recognized by the TBAs and some of those disease with which the TBAs are familiar are treated with ineffectual cures. A training program should be developed for teaching TBAs simple hygienic procedures and for helping the TBA recognize conditions which call for further treatment.
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