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

Background Infant mortality rate 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 rate in ECO countries for the years 2005 to 2012. Methods A panel data model from ECO countries from 2005 to 2012 used to identify the some of key explanatory variables (GDP per capita, female labour participation rate, public expenditure as % of total health expenditure and total fertility rate) effect on infant mortality rate. These data was obtained from World Bank and World Health Organization. The data analyzed by STATA v.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 between female labour participation rate and infant mortality. Conclusions 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 in study period. We hope the results of current study provide useful information for health policy- makers to better understand the main factors affecting on infant mortality.