A comparative analysis of first day neonatal mortality between adolescents and adult females giving birth at Ligula hospital in Mtwara, south eastern Tanzania 2008 – 2009

Objective: Compare first day neonatal mortality between adolescents and adults delivering at the main referral hospital in Mtwara, Tanzania Design: Cross-sectional chart review Setting: The study was conducted at the main referral hospital in Mtwara, Tanzania. Rates of adolescent pregnancy at the hospital were 15.5% in 2009 and 14.3% in 2010 Subjects: A total of 450 adolescent and adult females delivering at Ligula Hospital between 2008 and 2009 were included in the study. Outcome measures: First day neonatal mortality between adolescents and adults was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included neonatal birth weight, parity, gravidity, prematurity, HIV and neonates delivered. Results: First day neonatal mortality was 5.56%. Birth weight was the only risk factor significantly associated with neonatal mortality Conclusion: Younger women have predisposal to neonatal mortality due to underlying causal mechanisms. In order to validate the results of this study, further research on risk and causes of first day neonatal mortality at facilities is warranted.