Determinants of neonatal mortality in a municipality of the Zona da Mata in Pernambuco*

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the determinants associated with neonatal mortality in a municipality in the Zona da Mata of Pernambuco state. Method: Cross-sectional and analytical study, carried out in the city of Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco. All child deaths reported by the municipality to the Brazilian Mortality Information System between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed. Data were categorized and organized in three dimensions to be subjected to descriptive, bivariate statistics and hierarchical Poisson regression with robust variance. Prevalence ratios were estimated, considering variables with p <0.05 as significant. Results: The determinants associated with neonatal death were: caesarean delivery (PR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75-0.92), birth in the city itself (PR 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.25), newborn brown and black race/skin color (PR 1.13; 95% CI 1.001.29), prematurity (PR 1.88; 95% CI 1.79-1.97), and Apgar score <7 in the fifth minute (PR 1.74; 95% CI 1.67-1.82). Conclusion: Biological characteristics such as brown and black race/skin color, prematurity, and Apgar score <7 in the 5th minute after birth, as well as access to health services, such as being born in the municipality itself and not being born by caesarean delivery, were determinants associated with neonatal mortality.