J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2009 Jan;15(1):81-87.

Analysis of Maternal Child Health Services in Korea: Perspective of the Premature Infant

• Lee H
• Lee K
• Shin M

Abstract

In recent years, reductions in infant mortality have mainly been accomplished by improving the survival of premature and low birth weight infants, however premature infants still remain at great risk. The purpose of this study was to review the maternal child health service related to premature infants and to provide a future direction for improving maternal child health (MCH) in Korea. We reviewed two MCH services which are directly related to premature infants: 1) a registry and financial support program for families with a premature infant, and 2) financial support to build neonatal intensive care units in rural public hospitals. Suggestions are made for the development of a national vital signs record system to identify high risk infants and to monitor the trends in infant mortality due to prematurity. Prevention efforts and preconception care for childbearing women is also an important strategy to reduce the rate of preterm births. Finally, we need consider long-term follow-up plans for premature infants for a successful transit to the special education system. Developing MCH policy related to premature infants that decreases the occurrence of premature may decrease infant mortality, and also improve maternal and child health services.

Keyword

Maternal child health service; Premature infant; Low birth weight infant

MeSH Terms

Child
Child Health Services
Child Health
Education, Special
Female
Financial Support
Hospitals, Public
Humans
Infant
Infant Mortality
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Korea
Maternal-Child Health Services
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Preconception Care
Premature Birth
Vital Signs
Organothiophosphorus Compounds