Neonatal Mortality in Misan Hospital for Child and Maternity in Iraq in 2018 and 2019

The first month of life is a significant period for child survival. The highest rate of death was reported in the neonatal period in the world. This study was conducted to estimate the mortality rate in neonates and to determine the main causes and their demographic characteristics in Misan Hospital for Child and Maternity in Iraq.

This cross-sectional study was performed in Misan Hospital for Child and Maternity. The required data were collected from the files in the neonatal and obstetrical units for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). Any neonatal death in time period from 0 to 28 days was enrolled in this study whether preterm or term. Causes and time of neonatal death were studied based on demographic characteristics (gender, gestational age, type of delivery, and type of pregnancy). The neonatal mortality rate was calculated according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization and expressed per 1000 live births in each year.

The total live birth was 11343 and 11063 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The mortality rate among neonates was 14.8 and 12.8 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The major cause of neonatal mortality was respiratory distress syndrome with approximately similar rates in both years (65.5% vs 63.4%). The subsequent causes were birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, meconium aspiration, and sepsis. The mean gestational age was 32.33±4.065 weeks in 2018 and it was 32.40±4.339 weeks in 2019.

The results of the study showed that the mortality rate in babies of Misan hospital is high. Premature birth and its complications had led to the highest rate of death among neonates. Therefore, focusing on prenatal care is still a big challenge.