Effect of Non-Biological Factor on Perinatal Mortality in India: Evidence from NFHS

About 6 million neonatal deaths globally, approximately 99 percent of which occur in developing countries. Against this backdrop, this study is an attempt to examine the prevalence and influence of non-biological factor on... [ view full abstract ]

About 6 million neonatal deaths globally, approximately 99 percent of which occur in developing countries. Against this backdrop, this study is an attempt to examine the prevalence and influence of non-biological factor on perinatal mortality in India. Using National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) data and bi-variate and multivariate techniques have been used to fulfil the aforesaid objectives. Non linear (Fairlie Decomposition) technique has been used to see the contribution of factors among poor non poor gap in perinatal mortality. Results show that parental education, religion; caste, work status of the mother and wealth status of the household has significant effects on the perinatal mortality. The largest part of the poor disadvantage in perinatal mortality is attributable to the underlying disadvantage in household variables whereas full ANC, safe delivery and place of delivery has contributed to narrowing the gap.