Rapid Decrease of Neonatal Mortality in Turkey

Abstract

Our aim was to assess trends in neonatal mortality in 2009, evaluate advances in health policy, determine new goals to preserve a higher quality health service, and to prevent neonatal deaths. Data were gathered from the system of the General Directorate of Mother and Child and Family Planning. Maternal age, birth weight, gestational week, delivery at a health center, delivery by trained assistant, antenatal visits, and cause of death were evaluated. The neonatal mortality rate was 10/1,000 in Turkey in 2009, significantly better than rates of 26 in 1998, 17 in 2003, and 13 in 2008. The percentage of pregnant women making a minimum of four antenatal visits was around 80 %. Most deaths were attributable to prematurity and its complications, including 47.2 % of early neonatal mortality (ENM) and 36.1 % of late neonatal mortality (LNM). In ENM, the next-most common causes of death were congenital anomalies other than heart and genetic disorders (17.5 %), infections (6.5 %), asphyxia (6.1 %), and congenital heart disease (4.0 %), whereas in LNM, they were infections (19.9 %), congenital anomalies other than heart and genetic disorders (13.1 %), congenital heart disease (7.7 %), and asphyxia (3.8 %). Neonatal mortality in Turkey has declined within 8 years to level similar to that reached by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries over 30 years. Our findings show that each of the major causes of the neonatal death can be prevented by available interventions. Interventions to prevent prematurity, early diagnosis of congenital anomalies, and the prevention of infections would contribute to further reductions in neonatal mortality in Turkey.

Diagnostic contribution of postmortem needle biopsies in neonates

“…Newborn life expectancy in Turkey is increasing with each passing year (1). According to the World Health Organization, the newborn mortality rate in Turkey has decreased from 29 per 1000 live births in 1990 to 9 per 1000 live births in 2011 (2).…”

The Value of Socialized Medicine: The Impact of Universal Primary Healthcare Provision on Mortality Rates in Turkey

“…33 According to WHO (2014c), majority of the infant and child deaths are due to pregnancy and delivery related complications, infections during pregnancy, poor maternal health, infectious diseases including pneumonia and diarrhea, and lack of nutrition, especially in developing countries. These factors are responsible for the majority of child deaths in Turkey as well (Demirel et al 2013). Child and infant deaths due to the factors above could be significantly reduced by interventions during pregnancy and delivery through the use of prenatal and postnatal care, including doctor visits, screening for diseases and infections, proper intake of nutrients, and the provision of immunizations, which are all among the major services provided by the FMP.…”

Neonatal Resuscitation Program Provider Courses in Turkey

“…As a result, neonatal mortality rate dropped from 29 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011 (2) . Childbirths with the aid of a skilled attendant rose from 83% in 2003 to more than 90% in 2009, and institutional facility births rose to more than 90% by 2009 (6) . In fact, Turkey achieved a decline in neonatal mortality rates in a decade which is accomplished only within 30 years in the OECD countries.…”