Trends and risk factors for neonatal mortality in Butajira District, South Central Ethiopia, (1987-2008): a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Despite an urgent need in reducing neonatal mortality which contributes to more than 40% to child mortality, no significant change was observed in Butajira. Death was significantly associated with sex of the child, socio-economic variables and physical access to hospital. Prevention strategies directed at reducing neonatal death should address policy and household and level factors, which significantly influence neonatal mortality in Butajira.