Prevalence and Causes of Mortality in Preterm Infants in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2019

Neonatal period is a very important and vulnerable period that causes physiological adaptations to the ectopic environment. Undoubtedly, the first step in reducing infant mortality is to identify associated factors. The main cause of infant mortality is preterm birth. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and factors associated with preterm infant death.

In this cross-sectional study, 150 infants were classified into four groups: 24-28 weeks, 28-32 weeks, 32-34 weeks, and 34-37 weeks. Infant mortality rate and related factors were compared between the groups. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V20.

Findings showed a significant relationship between infant mortality and gestational age (P<00.01). There were no significant relationships between infant mortality and neonatal gender (P= 0.264), type of pregnancy (P= 0.548), type of maternity delivery (P= 0.999), and causes of preterm delivery (P = 0.770).

The most important factor in reducing infant mortality is preventing preterm birth which requires more effective interventions on prenatal care and treatment of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Prenatal levels of care programs, establishing neonatal intensive care centers, and appropriate premature neonatal care equipment are also necessary in preventing infant mortality.