Perceived Factors Of Delayed Hospitalization And Risks Of Infants' Death In Hospitals In Urban Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: to identify the factors of delayed hospitalization leading to the perceived risk of infant death in hospitals.

Methods: data were collected from a random sample of 195 mother attendees of infants admitted to emergency departments of five selected public sector teaching hospitals, including one specialized hospital for children in Lahore, Pakistan. An interview Schedule was used for data collection. Information was gathered on the reported history of prehospitalization medical treatment provided to the infant patient, reported ailment status of the patient at the time of first medical examination in the hospital, level of satisfaction about the quality of medical treatment administered in the hospital, and the perceived risk of death in hospital.

Results: multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for data analysis. It revealed that the following four factors were independently associated with the perceived risk of in-hospital infants' death: (i) delayed admission to hospital; (ii) severe/critical ailment status on hospital admission induced by serious ailment condition; (iii) provision of adequate medical care in hospitals; and iv) trying traditional healing methods before admission of infants in the hospital.

Conclusions: The results indicated that delayed admission to the hospital was a significant risk factor for avoidable causes of infant deaths. The study demonstrated that trying traditional healing methods before admission to the hospital was an essential determinant of delayed hospitalization leading to the perceived risk of in-hospital infant deaths. Despite providing adequate medical care and health services in public sector hospitals, high risks of avoidable infant mortality in hospitals may be a significant public health policy issue. This study may provide insights into mothers' healthcare-seeking preferences before their ailing infants' hospitalization. Besides, it may also help to understand social and policy implications for reducing in-hospital infant mortality rates.