IDENTIFICATION OF VARIABLES AFFECTING INFANT MORTALITY RATE IN ESKISEHIR (TURKEY)

Objective: An understanding of the factors related to infant mortality is important. This study aimed to identify the determinants of infant mortality rate in Eskisehir (central part of Anatolia) in Turkey. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional ecologic study. The data source for the analysis was Eskisehir Provincial Directorate of Health from which survival information of 15,600 infants born and 227 infant deaths between 2006-2007 was examined. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the factors associated with infant deaths, using demographic, maternal and infant indicators and health service determinants. Neperian log transformation was applied in the dependent variable to normalize residue distribution. Results: Infant mortality rate was found as 14.55 per 1000 live births and Neonatal mortality rate as 10.96 per 1000 live births in Eskisehir. The variables that predicted infant mortality rate were the rate of non-schooled women. The possible determinants identified for still birth rate included infants with low birth weight and the percentage of deliveries outside the hospital. The variable that predicted neonatal death rate was found as the percentage of deliveries outside the hospital. Conclusions: Women enrollment rate in school as well as deliveries outside the hospital and low birth weight determinants should be taken into account when planning the interventions to reduce infant mortality in Eskisehir, Turkey.