A Study of Gender Differences in Treatment of Critically Ill Newborns in NICU Of Krishna Hospital, Karad, Maharashtra

Authors

  • Vinayak Y Kshirsagar KIMS, Karad-Satara, Maharashtra
  • Minhajuddin Ahmed KIMS, Karad-Satara, Maharashtra
  • Sylvia M Colaco KIMS, Karad-Satara, Maharashtra

Keywords:

Gender bias, Neonates, Health care

Abstract

Introduction: Sex ratio in India is adverse for girl. Gender-based health disparities are prevalent in India but very little data are available on care-seeking patterns for newborns. An attempt had been made to study gender differences in treatment of critically ill newborns in tertiary hospital.

Methods: Study includes total deliveries, NICU admissions and patients leaving against medical advice in NICU and neonates who were not admitted in spite of need for NICU admission. A study of various socio-demographic parameters and its correlation to denial of health care were also studied.

Result: A total of 191 babies were taken against medical advice, 134 (70.15%) females and 57 (29.84%) males. 141 babies in the NICU of which 94 (65.27%) were girls and 50 (34.72%) were boys. Families of 47 babies who needed NICU admission refused of which 40 (85.10%) were girls and 7 (14.89%) were boys. The odds ratio calculated is 3.448 which signify that chances of health care denial are 3.448 times greater for a female child. Various socio-demographic parameters were studied and significance of each parameter was determined.

Conclusion: Factors like previous girl child, literacy of mother and socioeconomic status play an important role in seeking health care facilities.

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Published

2013-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Kshirsagar VY, Ahmed M, Colaco SM. A Study of Gender Differences in Treatment of Critically Ill Newborns in NICU Of Krishna Hospital, Karad, Maharashtra. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2013 Mar. 31 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];4(01):26-9. Available from: https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/1452

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Original Research Articles