Neonatal mortality in EAG states: trends and determinants

Abhishek Gautam, TNS India Pvt. Ltd.

The Empowered Action Group (EAG) states, in India are demographically regressive, lag behind in development and have highest infant mortality rates in the country. Neonatal mortality constitutes 60 percent of the total infant mortality in India and is the highest in EAG states. This study assesses the levels and trends of neonatal mortality in EAG states and examines the impact of bio-demographic vis-à-vis health care determinants on neonatal mortality. Data from sample registration system (SRS) and national family and health survey (NFHS-II, 1998-99) are used. Cox proportional hazard models are applied to estimate adjusted neonatal mortality rates by health care and bio-demographic determinants. Variations in neonatal mortality suggest that covering all pregnant women with full antenatal care, providing assistance at delivery and postnatal care are critical for achieving reduction in neonatal mortality. Policy intervention requires serious strengthening to curtail risk of neonatal deaths arising from the influence of mother’s age at birth, higher order births with short birth interval and low birth weight of children.