Neonatal mortality in Nigeria

What is it about?

Nigeria has one of the highest number and rates of neonatal deaths in the world. To effectively address this challenge and speed-up the rate of reduction of deaths among neonates, it is important to understand the different types of factors contributing to the problem in Nigeria. While a few studies have attempted finding out these factors, they were all limited in that the within population differences such as between rural and urban residences were not investigated. In line with the recommendation to address childhood mortalities using evidence based disaggregated data, our study was conducted to assess the differences in the rates and factors associated with neonatal deaths in rural and urban Nigeria. There was a significant difference in neonatal mortality rates between rural and urban Nigeria. Rural neonates were more at risk of mortality than their urban counterparts. Delivery through cesarean section and being born with a small body size contributed to higher risks of death among neonates both in rural and urban residence. Other risk factors differ with residence. Lack of access to electricity, and being a male child increased the risk of death among neonates in urban residence. In rural Nigeria, birth interval less than two years increased the rate of deaths among neonates.

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Why is it important?

Findings from this study may provide evidence-based approach to addressing the challenge of deaths among neonates in Nigeria. The rural-urban dichotomy approach may help capture important risk factors that are context-specific, thereby aiding the provision of target-specific interventions. The data used are the latest available and they represent the whole country, thus, findings are current, timely and generalizable. Based on findings, the rate of deaths among neonates can be reduced by focusing on improving electricity supply (particularly in urban areas), and family planning services (to address short brith interval particularly in rural areas). It is also important to make cesarean section safer to reduce neonatal mortality both in rural and urban Nigeria using approaches such as dispelling possible miscoceptions about it and by making it more affordable.

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