Bubble CPAP in Nigerian tertiary hospitals; Patented and improvised

Abstract

Introduction: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is simple and effective new-born respiratory support. Early use reduces neonatal mortality. Given the high cost of the patented CPAP machines improvised CPAP devices are being used in resource poor settings.

Objectives: To ascertain the availability of CPAP devises, its use, and the types used in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.

Materials and methods: Ethical clearance and informed consent of respondents were obtained. The questionnaire surveyed the availability of the CPAP, training on provision of respiratory support and device and was administered to consenting participants at the 2015 Paediatric Association of Nigeria conference.

Results: 237 questionnaires were returned by respondents representing 54 health facilities from six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. CPAP devise was used in 72% of the evaluated facilities. These were mostly public (87%) tertiary hospitals (76%). Supplemental oxygen (37.6%) was the commonest mode of respiratory support followed distantly by CPAP (3.4%). Improvised CPAP training had been undertaken by 51% but the device was used by 47.7% of the respondents. Only 25.3% of the respondents had patented machines located in 33% of the facilities.

Conclusion: The use of patented and improvised CPAP services is high among respondents at the public tertiary health facilities. CPAP services should urgently be taken to lower levels of health care so as to reduce neonatal deaths.

Keywords: Bubble CPAP; Nigerian tertiary; Patented; Improvised