Factors Associated with Increased Neonatal Mortality in Some Developing Countries: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Data

Neonatal mortality is a significant pointer to the improvement of a nation. Every year about
four million babies die during the first 28 days of life after birth and worldwide neonatal
mortality makes up 40% of the whole youngster mortality. Thus it is an important area of
research. Therefore, this study desired to find out the prevalence of neonatal mortality in
Bangladesh using BDHS data and also its associated risk factors in developing countries
using the latest DHS data of 21 different developing countries including Bangladesh
rangers from years 2013 to 2018. Logistic regression analyses were performed Logistic
regression analysis is carried out to identify the factors that are responsible for the risk of
neonatal deaths in Bangladesh; a random-effects meta-analysis is applied to see the
differences in the risk factors from study to study for developing countries. Furthermore,
subgroup analysis is performed for making comparisons among different geographical areas
(African vs. Asia) to evaluate the consistency of treatment. In this study mother’s and father’s
lower education level, poor wealth status, being 1st born neonate, early maternal age, being
male neonate, being twin birth, having no ANC visit, no media access are found to be
statistically significant predictors of neonatal death for both of the logistic and meta-analytical methods that affect the risk of neonatal mortality in developing countries. But no
impact is found regarding the type of place of residence, mother’s working status, and place of delivery on neonatal mortality for Bangladesh. But the overall estimate of the meta-analysis
introduces these variables as significant predictors of neonatal mortality in developing
countries. From the sub-group analysis, evidence treatment levels regarding risk factors are
found better indicators for lowering neonatal mortality among Asian countries than the
African countries. Therefore, women should be encouraged to have ANC visits. Close
follow-up and monitoring should also be given for twin and preterm births. Also, prevention
and control programs should be taken in the field regarding these risk factors.

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