an examination of the role of antenatal care attendance in ...

the South African Demographic Health survey also shows that the estimated neonatal death rate is 19.2
per 1000 live births, which is relatively similar to that of WHO estimates (DoH 1999).
The child's personal circumstances at birth are very important for the survival of the child in the early
stages of life. According to WHO (2006), the most important determinants of neonatal and still births
are multiple pregnancies and the sex of the child. Almost one half of twins and almost all triplets are
born preterm and have a higher risk of dying than full term infants. Every year, more males are born
each year than females, with the ratio of 106 per 100, but they are less likely to survive their first four
weeks of life (ibid).
Also, mother's own health status is also important for the survival of child in the early stages of life.
According to Adentunji (2000) differences in prevalence of HIV/AIDS may play a critical role in
determining whether or not a country will have higher rate of under 5 mortality. Using data from the
DHS from countries with different levels of HIV/ AIDS prevalence, Adentunji (2000) observed an
increase in most countries with high adult HIV prevalence, but a decrease in almost every country with
moderately high and low prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
The survival of the child at an early stage of life may also be affected by the socio- economic status of
the mother. A study conducted in rural South Africa on the risks, amenities, and child mortality shows
that the mother's birth history, education and marital status were important in determining child
survival (Argeseanu 2004).
The effectiveness and accessibility of health care services for pregnant women may play a significant
role in influencing the rates of perinatal deaths. According to Pattinson et al. (2005), inadequate
staffing and health facilities, poor care in labour, poor neonatal resuscitation, basic care and difficulties
for mothers in accessing care, may have an effect on neonatal deaths and still birth rates in South
Africa.
2.1.2 Low birth weight
Low birth weight has been defined as a weight at birth of less than 2,500 grams. More than 20 million
infants worldwide are born each year with low birth weight, 95.6 percent of them from less developed
countries and this is a result of poor maternal health and poor nutrition of mothers during pregnancy
(WHO 2005; Bale, Stoll and Adekokuno 2003).
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