Neonatal tetanus estimates of mortality derived from a cluster survey in northern Nigeria

Abstract

A two-stage cluster survey of deaths from neonatal tetanus (NNT) was carried out in Kano metropolis, Northern Nigeria in order to estimate the mortality from the disease. Estimates of mortality were obtained by three different methods which were compared. According to clinical diagnosis, mortality was 20.6/1000 live-births while reports of 4-14 day deaths gave a figure of 11.4/1000 live-births. From information volunteered by informants, it appeared to be only 4.6/1000 live-births. NNT accounted for 68% neonatal deaths. The sex-specific mortality rates were 23.4 and 17.9 per 1000 live-births for males and females respectively. There was, however, no significant association between sex and death from neonatal tetanus. The mortality for the first 6 months of recall period was 15.2/1000 live-births and 24.2/1000 live-births for the last 6 months. There was also no significant association between recall period and death. In view of the markedly different estimates by the various methods of diagnosis, retrospective clinical diagnosis is suggested for community-based surveys of mortality related to neonatal tetanus.