Factors determining infant mortality in high-risk pregnancies: A cross-sectional study

Despite the decline of infant mortality in recent years, this problem is still in health care system in society. Identification of factors affecting infant mortality enables the health systems to design effective interventions. This study aimed to identify factors that contribute to infant mortality in high-risk pregnancies. This study was a cross-sectional study in which neonatal deaths in 2011, were investigated in Tuyserkan City. Data were collected primarily through city family health unit and then the checklist of care records and medical records were collected from newborns died. In this study, the influence of risk factors for pregnancy and newborn mortality by categories of mothers in both groups were free of risk factors and risk factors. The data were analyzed using Stata 11. In this study, the higher risk of gestational were for ages greater than 35 years and more than four times (16.1%). Among the variables examined, only the method of delivery and prematurity in infants without risk factors was different between the two groups of high-risk mothers. Significantly greater risk of cesarean delivery in women without risk factors was maternal (p=0.03). The most important underlying cause of death was premature infants (60.09%). Special attention is required during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum care for mothers at risk or high risk, especially since it is mandatory according to the country's health system. Moreover, providing quality health education and counseling to couples counseling and genetic testing can be effective in reducing infant mortality.