WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Mayyadah Y. Mahmmod, Muataz A. Alani, Ahmad T. Ibraheem

ABSTRACT

Background: Neonatal mortality—defined as death occurring within the first 28 completed days of life—serves as a critical global indicator of healthcare quality and system performance. This study investigates the causes of neonatal mortality and their associated determinants in Mosul City, Iraq, during 2023. Objective: To identify the principal causes of neonatal deaths and examine their associations with selected maternal, neonatal, and birth-related characteristics in Mosul City, Iraq, during 2023. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using official records of neonatal deaths registered by the Nineveh Directorate of Health between 1 January and 31 December 2023. Data were extracted through a structured form encompassing demographic variables, pregnancy and delivery characteristics, and underlying causes of death. All neonatal deaths during the study period were included, except those attributed to surgical causes. Data completeness was verified prior to analysis. Results: A total of 972 neonatal deaths were documented in Mosul City during 2023. Of these, 56.5% occurred among males and 43.5% among females. Early neonatal deaths (within the first week of life) accounted for 77.0% of cases. Low birth weight (<2500 g) was observed in 58.4% of deaths, while 68.7% of neonates were born at 28–36 weeks of gestation. Vaginal delivery accounted for 69.3% of cases, singleton pregnancies for 68.8%, and 98.8% of deaths occurred in public hospitals. Urban residence was reported in 61.4% of cases. The leading causes of death were respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (53.5%), congenital anomalies (17.3%), neonatal sepsis (15.3%), birth asphyxia (9.7%), other causes (2.6%), and prematurity with low birth weight (1.6%).Conclusions: Neonatal mortality in Mosul City during 2023 was predominantly concentrated in the early neonatal period and primarily driven by respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, congenital anomalies, and neonatal sepsis. Significant associations were identified between cause of death and factors including residence, birth weight, maternal age, gestational age, mode of delivery, plurality, and parental education. No significant association was observed with neonatal sex or place of delivery.

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