Causes of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonatal Mortality in a Rural Community in Kenya: Evidence From Verbal and Social Autopsy
Abstract BackgroundUnder-five mortality in Kenya has declined over the past two decades. However, the reduction in the neonatal mortality rate has remained stagnant. In a country with weak civil registration and vital statistics systems, there is an evident gap in documentation of mortality and its causes among low birth weight (LBW) and preterm neonates. We aimed to establish causes of neonatal LBW and preterm mortality in Migori County, among participants of the PTBI-K (Preterm Birth Initiative-Kenya) study.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study whereby Verbal and social autopsy (VASA) interviews were conducted with caregivers of deceased LBW and preterm neonates delivered within selected 17 health facilities in Migori County, Kenya. The probable cause of death was assigned using the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). ResultsBetween January 2017 to December 2018, 3175 babies were born preterm or LBW, and 162 (5.1%) died in the first 28 days of life in 17 participating health facilities in the PTBI-K project. VASA was conducted among 88 (53.7%) neonatal deaths. Almost half (38, 43.2%) of the deaths occurred within the first 24 hours of life. Birth asphyxia (45.5%), neonatal sepsis (26.1%), respiratory distress syndrome (12.5%) and hypothermia (11.0%) were the leading causes of death. In the early neonatal period, majority (54.3%) of the neonates succumbed to asphyxia while in the late neonatal period majority (66.7%) succumbed to sepsis. Delay in seeking medical care was reported for 4 (5.8%) of the neonatal deaths. ConclusionDeaths among LBW and preterm neonates occur early in life due to preventable causes. This calls for enhanced intrapartum and immediate postpartum care interventions targeting asphyxia, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome and hypothermia.