Exploring causes of neonatal mortality in south east of Iran: A qualitative study.

Aim: Neonatal mortality (NM) is a significant global challenge that has a profound impact on families, particularly mothers. To address this challenge, the first step is to identify its underlying causes. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the phenomenon by consulting with stakeholders, including mothers and experts.

Study Design: This study utilized a qualitative design, conducting in-depth interviews with 16 mothers and 15 healthcare experts to gather information. A conventional content analysis approach was employed to analyze the data.

Results: NM is influenced by personal, systemic, and socioeconomic factors. Personal factors can be further divided into those related to the neonate and those related to the mother. Systemic factors are primarily related to the healthcare system, while socioeconomic factors include low literacy, low income, lack of access to healthcare, and consanguineous marriage.

Conclusion: NM is influenced by a wide range of factors that require separate and targeted interventions to reduce its incidence. In the short term, priority should be given to preventable factors that can be addressed through simple interventions, such as screening mothers for urinary tract infections, educating mothers, and preparing them for pregnancy with necessary lab tests and supplements. In the long term, preventing premature birth, addressing maternal addiction, family poverty, and shortages in healthcare equipment and personnel must be thoroughly addressed.