Maternal Factors Associated with Timely Referral and Safe Transport of Neonates in Makueni County Referral Hospital

Abstract

The study sought to determine maternal factors associated with timely referral and safe transport of neonates in Makueni County Referral Hospital. The study employed a cross-sectional study design. The researcher collected data from 50 neonates through consecutive sampling. The researcher used a self-administered questionnaire, patient file reviews, and a structured data checklist. Patients condition on admission was obtained from the health record. The researcher analyzed the data quantitatively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The data obtained was summarized using frequency tables. Inferential statistics, such as Chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact Tests, and bivariate and multivariate analyses, were used to test for associations. In total, 50 admitted neonates were recruited to the study, and results were analyzed. Maternal characteristics encompassing age, education level, parity, marital status, ANC visits, residence, and knowledge of high-risk pregnancies did not have a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of timely referral and safe transport of neonates. Availability of enough and qualified health care providers to aid in vital signs monitoring, pre-referral, and en-route stabilization of neonates.