Morbidity and mortality associated with traditional uvulectomy among neonates in a tertiary health facility in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction

Traditional uvulectomy is a procedure that involves the cutting of parts of the uvula with the erroneous belief that it will prevent throat infection. This practice predisposes to bleeding, sepsis and neonatal tetanus. We aim to report the prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality of traditional uvulectomy among neonates in a tertiary health center in Kano, Nigeria.

Method: Prospective cross-sectional study design was used. Consecutive neonates presenting at neonatal unit of Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano with complications of uvulectomy were enrolled. Data included were, place of residence, sex, age at presentation, antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance, place of delivery, parity, complications and outcome. Data analysis was done using Stata

STATA software version16 StataCorp®.

Results: Prevalence of uvulectomy was 2.6% (52/1959 admissions). Median (range) age was 8(2 -25) days, 57.7% were male, and majority 59.6% (31/52) were delivered at home while 82.8% (43/52) had ANC. The mean (SD) number of ANC visit was 2.8 (1.9). The case fatality was 30.7%. While 75% of babies whose mothers had ANC recovered, only 28% of babies whose mothers had no antenatal care survived. (X² = 6.2 9 = 0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusting for place of residence and place of delivery shows the odds of surviving after uvulectomy was 6 times higher amongst the ANC group compared to those with no ANC (OR = 6.3 CI 1.3-38.4). A higher proportion of those who died 56.3% (9/16) had Neonatal Tetanus, but this was not statistically different from the mortality rate from other complications. [X ² =9.5, p= 0.05].

Conclusion: The practice of traditional uvulectomy is prevalent in Kano Nigeria and is

associated with high case fatality rate. Antenatal care with emphasis on awareness creation and health education about the dangers of this practice is recommended.