Risk Factors Related to the Neonatal Mortality in Kurdistan Province, Iran: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Neonatal mortality rate (NMR) is one of the most important health indicators in the world. Objectives: The current study aimed at determining the factors influencing neonatal mortality in Kurdistan province, Northwest of Iran. Methods: The current population-based case-control study was conducted in 2013. Cases were neonates who passed away within their first 28 days of life, in Kurdistan. The controls were selected among neonates who were born in the closest time and place to the case group. Data were collected using a questionnaire through interviews by a trained questioner. Chi-square, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. All analyses were conducted by SPSS version 19. Results: A significant difference was observed between the neonatal mortality and the place of residence, maternal education level, maternal passive smoking, age, neonate birth weight, type of delivery, and nutrition. Maternal passive smoking during the previous year, pregnancy interval of less than 3 years, placental abruption, age, birth weight, malformations, and asphyxia were the most important factors associated with neonatal mortality. Conclusions: To reduce the NMR, in addition to follow-up and application of national guidelines, other necessary factors including the regionalization of the maternal and neonatal cares, planning, and development of programs with the focus on the causes and risk factors of neonatal mortality in Kurdistan province should be considered.