Determinant of neonatal mortality in Northern West Bank (Palestine-2012)

PhD, Rawya Lahaseh, Amira Shaheen*, Anwar Dudin

Background: Although the world has recently achieved significant declines in under-five and infant mortality rates, progress in neonatal mortality is less marked, where neonatal mortality accounts for about 40% of the world under-five child mortality.  In Palestine, high ratio of infant mortality (67%) is due to neonatal mortality, determinants of which are still not well studied.  This study aims at investigating the major risk factors that are contributing to neonatal mortality.

Methods:  A case-control design was adopted.  Cases were obtained from all available officially reported cases of neonatal death that died after birth within 28 days after delivery in the northern West Bank in 2012 (98 Cases).  Control data were obtained through interviewed questionnaires of mothers of live neonates born in 2012.  Dead infant Questionnaire was the used tool to collect data from both cases and controls.  Chi Square test and logistic regression were performed on the data.

Findings: Prematurity (36%) and congenital malformation (31.5%) were the main causes related to deaths among neonate.  The following factors were showed to be protective from having neonate mortality; being a mother with high level of education OR=1.28 [95% CI; 1.09-1.64, P-value=0.042], Frequent of antenatal visits>4 time OR=2.98 [95% CI; 2.50-6.65, P-Value=0.001], and Breast feeding OR=1.18 [95%CI; 1.01-1.55, P-Value<0.001].

Interpretation: There is a need for the development of focused and evidence-based interventions to prevent neonatal deaths in Palestine. These interventions should be at all levels, and address risk factors of neonatal death.  To strengthen reporting and the health information system is a major step in developing these strategies.

 

Funding: Not applicable

Conflict of interest: Declare no conflict of interest

* Corresponding author: Amira Shaheen, PhD

Assistant Professor of Child Health, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health.  Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; [email protected]. Mobile: +972 52 383 3685

 

 

Conference Title

The 9th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion

Conference Country

Palestine

Conference Date

March 20, 2008 - March 15, 2008

Conference Sponsor

Lancet Palestinian Health Alliance