title: The chasm in neonatal outcomes in relation to time of birth in Lebanon.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time of birth and the mortality and morbidity of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective, cohort study examined the records of women and infants admitted to the NICUs of four hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon, between July 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003. The hospitals selected were university affiliated and had a large number of deliveries (5,152 total for the year 2002-2003).
  
  
  METHODS
  Neonatal mortality and morbidity for infants admitted to the NICU were evaluated in relation to time of birth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For the whole sample, mortality was higher for infants born during the night shift than for those born during the day shift. Mortality, morbidity, and brain asphyxia rates were also higher for infants born during the night shift and admitted to the NICU. Maternal risk factors and delivery complications were nor consistently higher on the night shift.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, CA 91702, USA. linakbadr@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Lina Kurdahi
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Badr
authors.forename: Bahia
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abdallah
authors.forename: Sossi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balian
authors.forename: Hala
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tamim
authors.forename: Mirvat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hawari
mesh_terms: D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008423:Maternal Age; D009017:Morbidity; D009551:Night Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010298:Parity; D036801:Parturition; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors