Maternal characteristics and the risk of neonatal mortality in Brazil between 2006 and 2016

Abstract

Neonatal deaths account for more than 60% of infant deaths and are a major concern in Brazil. The reduction of the occurrence of these events appears to be more challenging than post-neonatal deaths, as such a reduction depends more on factors related to the pregnancy and childbirth than sanitary and health conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of maternal factors (schooling, marital status, and age) on the risk of neonatal mortality in Brazil between 2006 and 2016. Data were collected from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics as well as two information systems of the public health-care system: Mortality Information System and Live Birth Information System. The total valid sample size was 28,362,359 children. Visualization and classification methods were performed. The results revealed a considerably higher risk of neonatal deaths when the mothers were unmarried, had a low level of schooling, and were outside the 20-34-year-old age group. Different demographic profiles in Brazil exert an influence on neonatal health. The identification of the risk factors of neonatal mortality can assist in ensuring pregnancy, delivery, and a neonatal period of greater quality.