Level of maternal education is a significant determinant of neonatal survival: a PEARL study analysis

The study analyzed the demographic and socio-economic determinants of neonatal mortality. The variables included one fetal variable (gender), three maternal variables (level of education, occupation, age), three paternal variables (level of education, occupation, age), and seven household (family) variables (nationality, consanguinity, family income, house ownership, type of housing, family type, domestic help). One calendar year data (January to December 2011) was extracted from Qatar's National Perinatal Registry and analyzed using a univariate regression model. Qatar had a total of 20,583 live births and 102 neonatal deaths during 2011 (NMR 4.95/1000). Less than secondary school maternal education level, as compared to secondary school or above maternal education level, was the only variable significantly associated with neonatal mortality (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.23 - 3.53, p=0.009). The association between the remaining thirteen variables and neonatal mortality was non-significant. Priority investment to raise female literacy above secondary school level may significantly improve neonatal survival.