Neonatal disorders persist as a leading contributor to global child mortality. While particulate matter (PM2.5), low birth weight (LBW), and
Neonatal disorders persist as a leading contributor to global child mortality. While particulate matter (PM2.5), low birth weight (LBW), and short gestation (SG) are well-documented risk factors, comprehensive assessments of their population-attributable burdens remain critically lacking. We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to assess the global, regional, and national burden of neonatal disorders attributable to PM2.5 exposure, LBW and SG from 1990 to 2021, situating these risk factors within a comprehensive framework to enable direct comparison across domains. Outcomes included deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), disaggregated by sex, disease subtype, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In 2021, 81.01 % of the global neonatal deaths were linked to LBW and SG (1.48 million deaths), with an Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) in age-standardized rate (ASR) of −1.48 (95 % CI: −1.56 to −1.40) since 1990. PM2.5 exposure was responsible for 27.18 % of neonatal deaths (496,966 deaths), with an EAPC in ASR of −1.53 (95 % CI: −1.63 to −1.43) since 1990. Preterm birth represented the highest burden of disease subtype. Males consistently experienced a higher burden across both risk factors. Regional disparities were observed, with South Asia bearing the highest burden and high-SDI regions such as Australasia reporting the lowest. Strong inverse correlations were observed between SDI and PM2.5, LBW and SG-related neonatal mortality and DALYs. A temporary increase in ambient PM2.5-attributable burden was noted between 2010 and 2014. Despite progress in reducing household PM2.5 and improving neonatal care, ambient PM2.5 continues to pose a significant threat, particularly in low-SDI regions. The high burden of LBW and SG underscores the need for targeted maternal health interventions. Comprehensive, region-specific strategies that address both environmental and maternal factors are essential to reducing neonatal mortality and achieving global health goals.
