Determinants of Neonatal Mortality in Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center :Matched Case Control Study

Abstract

Background:  Neonatal mortality is a global challenge. About 38 % of deaths in under five children take place within the first 28 days. The MDG 4 will never be achieved unless challenges with neonatal mortality are tackled. Neonatal mortality contributes 30% of under five mortality in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to identify determinants and causes of neonatal mortality in Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center of Jimma University, Jimma Zone, Southwest of Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based matched case-control study was conducted from March 15 to April 30, 2011 in Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center consisting 100 cases and 100 controls. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire adopted from WHO and modified in to local context. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.01 and then exported to Epi Info version 3.5.1 windows for analysis. McNemer’s chi-square test and conditional logistic regression were used to determine the determinants of neonatal mortality. Causes of neonatal death were identified by using the validated expert algorithm.

Result: Determinants of neonatal mortality in the study area were caregiver of the neonate [AOR=0.15; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.75], birth spacing [AOR=4.58; 95% CI: 1.94, 10.82], birth size of the neonate [AOR=3.59; 95% CI: 1.00, 14.05] and maternal excess bleeding on delivery [AOR=3.59; 95% CI: 1.00, 14.05]. Birth asphyxia is the first cause of neonatal mortality in the study are.

 Conclusion: Caregiver of the neonate from soci-demographic factors, birth spacing and small birth size from neonatal factors and maternal excess bleeding on delivery from maternal obstetrics factors were associated with neonatal mortality in the study area. Programs for prevention and control of neonatal mortality related to pregnancy, delivery and emergency management of obstetrics neonatal care should be at the root level in rural community. 

Key Words: Neonates, Mortality, Risk factors, matched case-control, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia