Differential and Determinants of Neonatal Mortality: A Comparative Study in Northern and Southern Regions of India

BACKGROUND: The Government of India initiated different programs to reduce neonatal mortality. However, the variability of neonatal deaths occurs among states of India. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the differential determinants associated with neonatal deaths in northern and southern regions of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bivariate analysis and Cox regression analysis have been performed to evaluate the predictors of neonatal mortality from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data. RESULTS: For neonatal mortality, mother and child factors became more consistent in the southern region than northern regions of the country, while household factor was almost the same in both regions of India. CONCLUSIONS: Primary intervention is also required to reduce public health problem as neonatal mortality. It should be focused on education of mother, birth interval, age at birth, antenatal care, poverty reduction programs, and proper heath facility to pregnant mothers.