Elucidating trends and underlying drivers of neonatal mortality stagnation in Nepal: An analytical perspective on the 2016 and 2022 Demographic and Health Surveys.

ABSTRACT: Nepal has made significant progress in reducing the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) over the past two decades. However, since 2016, NMR has stagnated at 21 deaths per 1,000 live births, indicating stalled improvements in neonatal survival. Past studies highlighted the disparities, with socioeconomically disadvantaged groups experiencing a higher rate of neonatal deaths. However, limited evidence exists on NMR trends and determinants in Nepal that examined the factors with the trend. This study analyzed NMR trends and key determinants using data from the two most recent Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS). NDHS 2016 and NDHS 2022 data were used to calculate NMR. Both surveys received ethical approval from the Nepal Health Research Council. The study included 106 neonatal deaths out of

SUBMITTER: Pokhrel KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12373174 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature