Neonatal Mortality Rate prevalence in Motazedi Hospital of Kermanshah (2002-2003)

Introduction: One of the most important criteria for health is neonatal mortality. Mortality in neonatal period is high, that is about 65% of mortality in infancy occurs below the age of one year. This study was conducted to determine mortality rate in neonates in Motazedi Hospital of Kermanshah during 2002 to 2003.

Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on the dead neonates in Motazedi Hospital. Data collected from the subjects' profiles were included: age, sex, birth weight, maternal age, maternal disease, multiparty, type of delivery, day and cause of death. Collected data were analysed using SPSS Software.

Results: 451 cases out of 6400 delivery were hospitalised during the study. 156 cases died, of which 59.6% were boys and 40.4% girls, among them 85.9% were premature and 84.6% were LBW. Among 96.2% neonates death in the first week, 57.7% were premature and 55.8% NVD. The most common cause of death was HMD. 12.8% of mothers admitted with echlampsia and preechlampsia. 25% of mothers were more than 35 years old and 10.9% of them were less than 16 years old.

Conclusion: prematurity and LBW were the most common cause of death in the neonatal period, thus controlling these two factors may lead to decrease of mortality rate in neonates.