Trends in neonatal mortality in Brazil from 2007 to 2017

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Demography

Background:

• Neonatal mortality remains a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding temporal trends is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in neonatal mortality in Brazil from 2007 to 2017.
• To identify specific risk factors and causes associated with neonatal deaths during this period.

Main Methods:

• Ecological time series study design.
• Utilized data from Brazil's Mortality Information System and Information System on Live Births.
• Prais-Winsten regression analysis was employed to assess trends.

Main Results:

• Average neonatal mortality rate was 9.46 deaths/1,000 live births, with an annual reduction of 2.15%.
• Early neonatal mortality declined more than late neonatal mortality.
• Increasing trends in deaths were observed for preterm infants, extremely low birth weight newborns, cesarean deliveries, and births to mothers over 30 or with higher education.

Conclusions:

• While overall neonatal mortality decreased, specific subgroups and causes show concerning upward trends.
• Congenital malformations, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and external causes contributed to increased mortality.
• Intensified public policies for adequate prenatal care are essential to address persistent challenges and improve outcomes.