بررسي اكولوژيك عوامل موثر بر ميزان مرگ ومير كودكان زير يك سال در ايران

THE ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVE FACTORS ON INFANT MORTALITY RATE IN IRAN

Background & Aim: Infant mortality is due to poverty and starvation, lack of knowledge and dominative polices in many countries of the world. In additional, it is one of the best indexes in evaluation of health at society which it depends on different factors. The aim of this study is the ecological survey about effective factors on IMR in provinces of Iran. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) in 1998 , reports and population and development data sheet for Islamic republic of Iran Statistical center of Iran (SCI) in 2003, costs and incomes of families survey (SCI) in 2002 , National Heath Survey (NHS) in Iran in 1999. The dependent variable is IMR and the independent variables are womenʹs illiteracy rate in 15-49 year, caesarean percent, family consumption costs, Urbanity percent, family size and employed women percent. The collected data were analyzed by using of multivariate statistical path analysis method. We estimate the direct and indirect and total effects of variables in this equational structure model. Results: Based on standardized coefficients, womenʹs illiteracy rate (15- 49), as an important factor, in crease IMR about 0.816 that partly about 0.347 itʹs due to urbanity and caesarean percent. Consumption costs index of family about 0.353 have decrease and direct effects on IMR. A direct effect of caesarean percent about 0.236 on IMR was also seen. There was no significant effect regarding urbanity percent. Discussion: Women education is one of the most important factors in IMR. Reduction of women illiteracy rate caused to change behaviors and attitudes by making use of family income and spending it for them in order to improve mother nutrition. These indicators describe the major pathway to reduce infant mortality in terms of access to essential health care services and some aspects of quality of care. Therefore, itʹs necessary to implement programmers to reduce IMR and educational needs of women.