Neonatal mortality trends in the city of Salvador (Bahia-Brazil), 1996-2012

Abstract

Objectives: to investigate neonatal mortality trends, principal causes and potential risk factors, in Salvador-Bahia, 1996-2012. Methods: a time series study was carried out using data from the Mortality and Live Births/LB Information Systems and the National Register of Health Establishments. Parameters for the trend over time of the neonatal mortality coefficient /NMC and the proportions of LBs in terms of characteristics of the mother, the newborn and health care were obtained using simple linear regression. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relation between these variables. Results: a decline of 21.2% in NMC was observed, mainly owing to premature births (β= - 0.730; p=0.006; R2= 0.423). This tendency was followed by the proportion of LBs among adolescent mothers and mothers with no schooling. The proportion of LBs among mothers aged > 35 years, premature births and Caesarean births was found to be higher. The predominant cause of neonatal death was specific infection during perinatal period (13.2%). Intra-uterine hypoxia /asphyxia during birth (8.4%) and disorders relating to premature birth/low birth weight (15.9%), were also found to be on the rise (β= 1.319; p=0.006; R2= 0.428). Conclusions: neonatal mortality and the prevalence of potential risk factors are on the decline in Salvador. Initiatives aiming to improve neonatal care and the living conditions of the population may be contributing to this trend.