Qualitative Assessment of the Quality of Care for Preterm, Low Birth Weight, and Sick Newborns in Ethiopia.

This study assesses the quality of care for preterm, low birth weight (LBW), and sick newborns across the public health care system levels in 3 regions of Ethiopia. Qualitative data based on the WHO framework to assess provision and experience of care was collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women who recently delivered preterm, LBW, and sick newborns, as well as health care providers and health extension workers, and facility administrators associated with study health facilities. This qualitative approach revealed perspectives of patients, health care providers and facility administrators to assess what is actually happening in facilities.

Referral systems for preterm, low birth weight, and sick newborns in Ethiopia: a qualitative assessment.

Background: A responsive and well-functioning newborn referral system is a cornerstone to the continuum of child health care; however, health system and client-related barriers negatively impact the referral system. Due to the complexity and multifaceted nature of newborn referral processes, studies on newborn referral systems have been limited. The objective of this study was to assess the barriers for effective functioning of the referral system for preterm, low birth weight, and sick newborns across the primary health care units in 3 contrasting regions of Ethiopia.

Health system readiness to support facilities for care of preterm, low birth weight, and sick newborns in Ethiopia: a qualitative assessment.

Background: Preterm birth is a worldwide challenge with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries. Despite availability of low-cost interventions to decrease mortality of preterm, low birth weight, and sick newborns, these interventions are not well integrated in the health systems of low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess, from the perspective of key stakeholders comprising leaders in the public health system, the health system readiness to support health care facilities in the care provided to preterm, low birth weight, and sick newborns in different regions of Ethiopia.