Author

Department of surgery, College of Medicine, Kirkuk University

Abstract

Back ground: screening program is vital for the early diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants to avoid disability. The aim of the current study is to audit the implementation of the program after setting up the program. 
Material and method: In between 2010-2012; a questionnaires was distributed to 280 mothers, and 120 health professionals, in order to obtain feedback about the effectiveness and the existence of preventive program for early detection of DDH in Kirkuk. During the same period, two workshops were organized for the health professionals about the screening program for DDH, the data were collected during the workshop. Also the medical notes of 200 new born baby delivered in Azadi hospital were also reviewed to determine the existence of the screening program. In order to check the effectiveness of the screening program, an audit on 32 children was performed, looking through medical files of children with DDH managed by the pediatric unit in the rehabilitation unit of Azadi teaching hospital. 
Result: The incidence of awareness of the DDH screening program was (21%) among health professional, and was (14%) among the mother. In the neonatal care unit, none of 200 newborn babies was screened for DDH. The DDH screening program was better implemented by the vaccinators. 
Conclusion: It is better to rely on vaccinators to lead the program rather than medical doctors. Referring children with risk factors to a pediatric unit, is more practical than relying on the performance of Ortolani and Barlow test, in the health centers. Yearly workshops and media awareness of DDH prevention is useful. 

Keywords