Impact of Socioeconomic and Health System Factors on Infant Mortality Rate in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): Evidence from 2004 to 2013

Introduction Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is one of the main health indicators for assessing the health system’s performance over the world. The aim of this study was examine to the socioeconomic and health system factors affecting on infant mortality in OPEC from 2004 to 2013. Materials and Methods A panel data model from OPEC between 2004 and 2013 was used to identifying the effects of some of the key explanatory factors (Total fertility rate per women, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita [current US$], public health expenditure as % of total health expenditure and female labor force participation rate) on infant mortality rate. These data were obtained from World Bank and World Health Organization Data Bank. Results The results showed that total fertility rate had a positive and significant impact on infant mortality in the studied period (P < 0.05(. Also, there are negative significant associations between GDP per capita and public health expenditure with infant mortality (P < 0.05(. We did not observe any relationship between infant mortality and female labor force participation rate in the studied countries from 2004 to 2013 (P > 0.05). Conclusion Total fertility rate, GDP per capita (current US$), public health expenditure as % of total health expenditure were identified as the main factors affecting on infant mortality in OPEC over the ten years (2004-2013). We hope the results of this study enables health policy-makers to better understand the factors affecting on infant mortality and thereby take necessary steps in managing and decreasing infant mortality rate in the studied countries.