Neonatal mortality among hospital delivered babies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract: A follow up study to determine the magnitude of neonatal mortality and identify its determinants was done on a cohort of babies born at the health institutions in Addis Ababa. Baseline information on risk behaviour of the mother and child characteristics were recorded just after delivery. Then, follow up interviews were done on the 7th and 28th day by visiting each neonate/mother at home. A total of 1334 singleton newborns were included in the study. The neonatal mortality rate was found to be 71.9 per 1000 live birth with early and late neonatal mortality rates of 50.9 and 20.9 per 1000 live berth, respectively. Low birth weight and prematurity were associated with a higher risk of neonatal death. Establishing essential neonatal care facilities at all levels and further study among home deliveries are recommended. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(3):275-281]