Macro Determinants of Infant Mortality in ECO Countries: Evidence from Panel Data Analysis

Introduction Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is widely used to assessing the health status of population in both developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to identify the main factors affect infant mortality in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries for the years 2005 to 2012. Materials and Methods A panel data model from ECO countries between 2005 and 2012 was used to identify the effect of some of key explanatory variables [Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, Female Labour Participation Rate, Public expenditure as percentage of Total health expenditure and Total Fertility Rate] on infant mortality. The data was obtained from World Bank and World Health Organization. Also, the data analyzed by STATA version_12. Results This study indicated the GDP per capita and public spending had a negative and significant effect on infant mortality in studied countries. A higher total fertility rate is also associated with higher infant mortality. In addition, our analysis showed there is not association significant between female labour participation rate and infant mortality. Conclusion GDP per capita, public expenditure as % of total health expenditure and total fertility rate were identified as the main determinant of infant mortality in ECO countries between 2005 and 2012. We hope the results of current study provide useful information for health policy-makers to better understand the main factors affecting on infant mortality.