How Socioeconomic Dispartie Affects Child Mortality in EMRO Countries

Abstract

<em>Introduction</em> <br/>All nations are striving for development. Economic development is one of the main parts of development process, but not all of it. Populations health is one of the main factors of economic development, and child's mortality is one of the main factors of population health status. The aim of this study is investigating the role of socioeconomic disparties in under 5 mortality in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) countries. <br/> <br/><em>Materials and Methods</em> <br/>This study is a restropective and panel data type. Data used in this study inquired form the World Health Organization(WHO) and the World Bank database for 20 EMRO countries. In order to investigate socio-economic factors of under 5 mortality we used per capita income logarithm, health expenditure per capita, out-of-pocket health expenditure, access to improved sanitation and Measles vacination, literacy rate in 15 to 24 years old females, female unemployment rate, and birth rate. <br/><em>Results</em> <br/>According to results, all variables (Per Capita National Income, Health Expenditure Per Capita, Access to Health Facilities, Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure, and Measles Immunization, Female Literacy Rate for 15 to 24 year old, Female Unemployment Rate and Crude Birth Rate) showed significant relationship with under 5 mortality except per capita health expenditure. Per capita income logarithm also had the greatest impact in reducing the mortality of children under 5 year in comparison with other variables. <br/><em>Conclusion</em> <br/>Childs mortality is the symbol of development and have important role in population growth. Results of this study indicate that access to healthcare services have lower impact on childs mortality rather than economic variables.