Socioeconomic Determinants of Health in Iran: Provincial panel data analysis

Background: Amongst one of the most important health indicators is infant mortality rate and be considered the most important indicator of determine the health status in the society. In recent years, Social and economic determinants of health have received much attention from researchers. Today, the efforts of countries to reduce health inequalities is through paying attention to the social determinants of health. The purpose of this study was the effect of the determinants of Infant mortality rate, across provinces of Iran using panel data model and during the period 2006-2015.Methods: In this study, is investigated Social and economic factors affecting the Infant mortality in provinces of the country. Data on Infant mortality rate as a dependent variable and per capita income, share of health in total household expenditure, urbanization rate, participation rate, access to food, number of vehicles and housing price as an independent variables were obtained from the Statistical Yearbook. The data were analyzed using Eviews.Results: The findings indicated a negative significant relationship between per capita income, urbanization rate, participation rate, access to food and Infant mortality rate in provinces of the country. There is a positive significant relationship between housing price, the number of vehicles and Infant mortality rate. Also, there was no significant relationship between share of health in total household expenditure and Infant mortality rate in provinces of the country. Conclusion: According to the findings in this study the most efficient way of promoting the health is paying attention to the Social and economic determinants outside the Healthcare environment. Paying attention to the Social and economic determinants of health can improve health in the community and emphasis on them can play an important role in reducing health inequalities. It is essential to pay attention to economic and social development policies and the Economic Stabilization Program.