Trends in Neonatal Mortality Rate in Ibn-Atheer Teaching Hospital, Mosul - Northern Iraq (2020-2024)

Abstract

Background: Neonatal mortality (NM), defined as the death of a live-born infant within the first 28 completed days of life, regardless of gestational age, is considered a key international indicator reflecting the quality and accessibility of a country's health care services. Objective: This study aims to analyze trends in neonatal mortality and identify the leading causes of death in Ibn Al-Atheer Teaching Hospital during the period 2020–2024. Method: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using existing data on neonatal deaths over a five-year period starting from 2020, obtained from the Statistical Department at Ibn Al- Atheer Teaching Hospital. The study included all neonates admitted to the hospital from January 1st to December 31st of each year within the study period. Result: The trend of neonatal mortality rates at Ibn Al-Atheer Teaching Hospital throughout the study period (2020 – 2024) shows a notable decline, indicating an improvement in neonatal outcomes during this period. The most common cause of neonatal  mortality throughout the study period was Bacterial Sepsis, which accounted for the highest proportion of deaths in most of the years observed. Other significant causes included Respiratory distress of the newborn and Causes related to chromosomal and congenital abnormalities. Conclusion: The neonatal mortality patterns observed in our study have declined over time but face persistent challenges from sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), prematurity, and birth complications.