LAUSR

Introduction: The rate of mortality during the perinatal period is higher than at any other time in a person’s life, making it the most vulnerable. This study aimed to examine regional heterogeneity and the determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The data for this study was obtained from the 2019 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) data. Logistic regression modeling and multilevel logistic modeling were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 5753 live birth children were included in this study. Of the total live births, 220 (3.8%) died in the first 7 days of life. Urban residence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.621; 95% CI: 0.453–0.850], residence in Addis Ababa (AOR=0.141; 95% CI: 0.090–0.220), family size of four or less (AOR=0.761; 95% CI: 0.608–0.952), age of mother at first birth of less than 20 years (AOR=0.728; 95% CI: 0.548–0.966), and using contraceptives (AOR=0.597; 95% CI: 0.438–0.814) were associated with lower risk of perinatal mortality compared to the respective reference categories whereas residence in Afar (AOR=2.259; 95% CI: 1.235–4.132), residence in Gambela (AOR=2.352; 95% CI: 1.328–4.167), no education (AOR=1.232; 95% CI: 1.065–1.572), poor wealth index (AOR=1.670; 95% CI: 1.172–2.380), and wealth index (AOR=1.648; 95% CI: 1.174–2.314) were associated with higher risk of perinatal mortality compared to the respective reference categories. Conclusion: In this study, the overall prenatal mortality rate was 38 (95% CI: 33–44) deaths per 1000 live births, which is high in magnitude. The study identified place of residence, region, wealth index, age of the mother at first birth, educational level of the mother, family size, and use of contraceptive methods as significant determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Thus, mothers with no education should be given health education. Women should also be given awareness regarding the use of contraceptives. In addition, further research needs to be conducted in each region separately and information made available at the disaggregate level.