Commonest cause of neonatal mortality in India is?

NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Prematurity, along with low birth weight, is the single largest cause of neonatal deaths in India.
Data from India's Sample Registration System (SRS) indicates that prematurity and low birth weight account for 44.7% of all neonatal deaths.
Preterm infants have underdeveloped organ systems, particularly the lungs, brain, and immune system, which makes them highly vulnerable to respiratory distress, infections, and hypothermia.
India has a high burden of preterm births, contributing significantly to its neonatal mortality rate.

Option A: Diarrheal disease is a very rare cause of death in the neonatal period (first 28 days), accounting for less than 1% of deaths. Exclusive breastfeeding provides significant protection.
Option B: While birth asphyxia and trauma are the second leading cause group (around 15.1%), their contribution is significantly smaller than that of prematurity (44.7%).
Option D: Congenital anomalies account for a smaller fraction of neonatal deaths in India (around 4.3%) compared to prematurity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causes of Neonatal Mortality in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in reducing neonatal mortality from prematurity through essential newborn care.
Key nursing interventions include thermal care (preventing hypothermia), promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), supporting establishment of exclusive breastfeeding, and vigilant monitoring for signs of infection or respiratory distress.
Patient safety is paramount. Strict hand hygiene and aseptic techniques are crucial to prevent sepsis in vulnerable preterm neonates.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Commonest cause,' 'neonatal mortality,' and 'India.'
Understand that 'neonatal' refers specifically to the first 28 days of life. This is distinct from infant (under 1 year) or child (under 5 years) mortality.
Recall or deduce the major health challenges for newborns. Endogenous factors (related to birth and development) like prematurity are dominant in the neonatal period.
Compare the options based on epidemiological knowledge. Prematurity is globally and nationally recognized as the primary driver of neonatal deaths.
Eliminate options that are more significant in other age groups (like diarrhea in post-neonates) or are less frequent than the primary cause (like congenital anomalies and birth injuries).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 192-194

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