The Perinatal and Neonatal Mortality Pathways

Kananura Rornald Muhumuza, Makerere University School of Public Health
Tiziana Leone, London School of Economics
Dan Kajungu, INESS
Tryphena Nareeba, Iganga-Mayuge Health Demographic Surveillance Site
Arjan Gjonca, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

To understand the new-born survival pathways, we analyse the birth event history data collected between 2011-2015 and 2005-2015 by Iganga-Mayuge health demographics and surveillance site in eastern Uganda. We used structural equation modelling with four logistic regression models. 67% of perinatal mortality occurred on day 0 and 64% of the neonatal mortality occurred within 24 hours. Maternal morbidities’ experience was significantly associated with increased risk of PB, stillbirth, and death within 24 hours. LBW, adolescence and advanced (30+) age and education level were significant perinatal mortality mediating factors. Multiple births and prior perinatal mortality experience increased the likelihood of perinatal mortality indirectly via LBW and directly respectively, and the dyad had a continued effect on the later age. Health facilities delivery was not significant in reducing the effect of LBW/prematurity and obstetric conditions.