Neonatal mortality in Indian regions: the hidden factor behind the slow progress of children’s well being

Partha De, Indian Statistical Institute

Indian government has spent sustained resources on different child survival programmes. There are certain socio-cultural and economic factors, which play more significant roles for the slow rate of decline in infant, and child mortality rates. Currently two-thirds of the IMR is being contributed by the high persistent Neonatal mortality rate. This paper deals with various socio-economic and demographic characteristics which is obstructing the reduction of neonatal mortality over different regions in rural India. Birth History data (NFHS) are utilized to find out Hazard Ratios and neonatal mortality rates of different regions using Cox proportional hazard models. Early age of pregnancy, birth interval less than 24 months, birth of LWB, literacy level below middle school, village non-electrified, distant hospital, less than two doses of TT injection during pregnancy etc. are responsible for high persistent neonatal mortality in different regions. Neonatal mortality is highest in the Central region followed by other regions.