Managing Children with Spina Bifida in sub-Saharan Africa: The Zambian experience?

Purpose:To investigate the management of children with SB and outcome measures used in Zambia. Methods: Aretrospective cross-sectional study was done. Between 2001 and 2010, a total number of 253 children with SB who were managed at both the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and Beit Cure Hospital (BCH) were identified. Results: Majority (56%) of the patients were aged between 1-6 months (p < 0.001). Hydrocephalus was prevalent in 61% of the patients. Myelomeningocele was the most common (61%) defect and the lumbar region was the common site (60%) (p < 0.001). Majority (28%) of children came from the Southern Province of Zambia (p < 0.001). The majority (81%) of patients were lost to follow-up (p < 0.001). None of the files had outcomes measuring instruments. Conclusions: There is evidence that interventions were given although the outcomes were not measured. The majority of the children came from the Southern Province of the country. Astudy ought to be done to investigate the predominance of the prevalence of SB in that part of Zambia. Many patients were lost to lack of follow-up, hence proper follow-up mechanisms must be instituted by both hospitals. Researchers are challenged to develop measuring instruments that are culturally sensitive and appropriate to the needs of Zambian children.