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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality is mainly caused by infections, birth asphyxia and pneumonia (developing nations). Determinants included socioeconomic-demographic factors, healthcare system and culture. Risk factors: low birth weight, prematurity, insufficient antenatal care, repeated caesarian deliveries. Limited neonatal deaths research in Iraq justified this study. AIM OF THE STUDY: Describe and plot the neonatal mortality trend during the period of 2008-2017, and finding relation with key determinants and risk factors. METHODS:  Retrospective software and hardcopy neonatal medical records review & analysis (February-June 2019) in MOH, Central Statistical Organization, Baghdad's Health directorates, International Health Organizations, & 2-3 conveniently selected hospitals in health directorate. Records studied: Annual Statistical Reports, "Neonatal deaths Statistics Form", "Born", admission files, intensive care units' logbooks, death certificates, international organizations’ estimates & Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. RESULTS: Highest mortality rate was in West region 2015 (18.38/1000), lowest in east 2014 (3.78/1000) excluding Kurdistan; the decline during 2014-2015. Highest admission deaths: males (57.8%), cesarean deliveries (52%), extreme low birth weight (8.5%), preterm (71.2%), >31 years (20.2%). Top death cause: Respiratory distress syndrome (51.9%), & late death: sepsis (33.36%). CONCLUSION: Mortality rate declined to lowest in 2014, followed by a rise attributed to increased registration; highest in west 2015, lowest in east 2014. Respiratory distress & sepsis were the most common causes. Most deaths in: preterm neonates, males, extremely low birth weight, operative deliveries & >31 years maternal age.

DOI

10.52573/ipmj.2020.169729

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