A Decade of Trends and Multilevel Determinants of Early Neonatal Mortality in Tanzania, 2010-2022

Abstract

Background: Newborn death account for nearly half of under-five mortalities. The highest rates of deaths occurs during the first week of life. Tanzania has made progress in reducing under-five mortality, but the share of neonatal mortality, especially early neonatal deaths remain unacceptably high. Methods and Materials: Cross-sectional study using 2010, 2015/16, and 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys data, multilevel binary logistic regression was fitted to identify determinants of early neonatal mortality. Results: Trends of early neonatal mortality rate declined slightly from 23 to 20 death per 1000 live birth from 2010 to 2022. Low birth weight neonates, maternal age above 40 years, multiple pregnancies were independently associated with early neonatal mortality. Conclusion: The decline in early neonatal mortality rates has been gradual. Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions in reducing early neonatal mortality among neonates with low birth weight, mothers with advanced age and with multiple pregnancies.