In a year with 60 live births and 3 neonatal deaths, what is the neonatal mortality rate per 1,000?

In a year with 60 live births and 3 neonatal deaths, what is the neonatal mortality rate per 1,000?

• A. 50/1000
• B. 5/1000
• C. 30/1000
• D. 10/1000

Answer: (A)

Neonatal mortality rate is the number of deaths of newborns within the first 28 days per 1,000 live births in the same year. To find it, divide the neonatal deaths by the total live births, then multiply by 1,000. Here, 3 neonatal deaths among 60 live births: 3 ÷ 60 = 0.05, and 0.05 × 1,000 = 50. So the rate is 50 per 1,000 live births. (Note: stillbirths and deaths after the neonatal period aren’t included in this rate.)

Neonatal mortality rate is the number of deaths of newborns within the first 28 days per 1,000 live births in the same year. To find it, divide the neonatal deaths by the total live births, then multiply by 1,000. Here, 3 neonatal deaths among 60 live births: 3 ÷ 60 = 0.05, and 0.05 × 1,000 = 50. So the rate is 50 per 1,000 live births. (Note: stillbirths and deaths after the neonatal period aren’t included in this rate.)