Perinatal-neonatal and weight specific neonatal mortality in Thailand in 1996 and comparison with 1976 and 1986: a hospital based study.

The study on perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality and weight specific death rate of neonatal infants born at Rajavithi Hospital in 1996 was carried out and compared with the rates of 1976 and 1986. It was found that in 1996 the total number of births was 15613 with 106 stillbirths. The perinatal mortality rate was 9.09 per 1000 births and neonatal mortality rate was 2.90 per 1000 live births. Reduction in perinatal and neonatal mortality rates from 1976 and 1986 to 1996 was observed. The neonatal mortality rate was close to the rate of developed countries but not the perinatal mortality rate. The weight specific neonatal mortality in 1996 was reduced from 1986 and 1976 in all weight groups. It is concluded that the neonatal mortality rate in 1996 was improved because of effective neonatal care. To reduce the low birth weight infant rate by means of an effective family planning program and antenatal care may improve the perinatal mortality rate at Rajavithi Hospital.