Determinants of neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in Pakistan
Mahmood, M.A.
Pakistan Development Review 41(4(2)): 723-744
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9729 Document Number: 234712
The socioeconomic, demographic, environmental and nutritional factors and health-seeking behaviour associated with neonatal and postneonatal mortality in Pakistan, were investigated. The data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, which was conducted in 1991, were used for the study. 2132 singleton births, born 1-23 months before the survey, were analysed. Results revealed that the determinants related to higher risk of neonatal and postneonatal mortality were: living in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh; older maternal age; short previous birth interval; previous sibling death; premature birth; and lower utilization of health services (BCG vaccination and prenatal care). Babies of very large size and those delivered at government hospitals than at home were at higher risk of neonatal mortality. Maternal and paternal education were related to decreased risk of neonatal and postneonatal mortality, respectively. Having safe drinking water, breast feeding, early start of supplementary foods, and with mothers having higher index of household possessions decreased the risk of postneonatal mortality. It is suggested that increasing parental education, improvements in the quality of water supply, and motivation of mothers to utilize health services for prenatal and postnatal care are the most important steps to reduce neonatal and postneonatal mortality in Pakistan.