Sub-optimal oxygen blending and saturation monitoring despite widespread continuous positive airway pressure use: A survey of select sub-Saharan hospitals

Abstract

Respiratory support for neonates is key for reducing mortality; however, the capabilities of countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are not exactly known. Our aim was to assess the availability of respiratory support systems and medications for neonates in a sample of hospitals in SSA. A survey was conducted among neonatal providers attending an annual neonatal conference in Tanzania. One response per healthcare facility was invited. A total of 47 institutions completed the survey. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was used in almost all (96.6%) tertiary hospitals and in 88.9% of frontline hospitals. Continuous oxygen saturation monitoring is available in less than 50% of healthcare facilities; the ability to blend oxygen for all infants is available in 22% of facilities. Although the availability of CPAP is high, this sample may not be representative of all hospitals. Monitoring oxygen saturation and the ability to blend oxygen are suboptimal.