Preventable and Treatable Factors Significantly Contribute to Neonatal Deaths Worldwide

A comprehensive study led by Curtin University has identified key risk factors associated with neonatal mortality globally, providing valuable insights to improve newborn survival rates. The research involved reviewing over 60 studies published over the past 35 years, focusing on more than 50 potential risk factors that influence the likelihood of a baby dying within the first 28 days of life.

The study, titled "Risk factors for neonatal mortality: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses," published in eClinicalMedicine, highlights several conditions and circumstances that significantly increase neonatal mortality risk. These include maternal health issues such as anemia, hypertensive disorders, bleeding disorders, and lifestyle factors like obesity and prenatal opioid exposure. Environmental exposures like arsenic contamination and maternal age also play a role, along with neonatal factors such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and delayed initiation of breastfeeding.

Findings show that babies born with low birth weight are over 15 times more likely to die than those born at a healthy weight. Preterm infants face up to seven times higher risk, while delaying breastfeeding beyond 24 hours after birth increases mortality risk by 60-70%. Conversely, receiving proper antenatal care and delivering at health facilities can dramatically reduce the risk of neonatal death, potentially decreasing it by up to 85%. These data underscore the importance of accessible maternal and neonatal healthcare services.

Curtin Ph.D. candidate Bereket Kefale, the study's lead author, emphasized that many of these risk factors have strong supporting evidence. He pointed out that factors such as low birth weight and prematurity are among the most significant, but many other modifiable factors exist. "These numbers are staggering, but they reveal clear, actionable areas where interventions can save countless lives," Kefale remarked.

Senior researcher and co-director of the Curtin School of Population Health's Epidemiology Research Lab, Associate Professor Gizachew Tessema, stressed the urgency of strengthening health services for mothers and newborns worldwide. He noted that the review provides a roadmap for policymakers and healthcare providers to prioritize interventions. Addressing preventable exposures like obesity, smoking, and opioid use during pregnancy, as well as managing maternal health conditions, can have a profound impact on reducing neonatal mortality.

Ultimately, the research advocates for equitable access to prenatal, delivery, and neonatal care, which holds the potential to save many lives. Tackling these preventable and treatable factors is crucial for lowering neonatal death rates globally.