Uncovering the rural–urban gap in determinants of infant mortality in Punjab-Pakistan

Abstract

ObjectiveThe main objective of this research is to observe the various socio-economic, demographic, health-seeking, and environmental factors influencing infant mortality and the rural–urban division in Punjab, Pakistan. MethodsThe study used the data of 38,405 households from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey that was conducted by the Bureau of Statistics Punjab during 2017–18. This survey assessed 125 indicators i.e., health, education, etc. created by UNICEF to assess the well-being of mothers and children in Punjab, Pakistan. Results and conclusionThe mother, the child, and the family are the three main risk factors for infant death, according to our research in Pakistan. The socioeconomic position of the household, social practices, environment, and usage of medical services are the key factors that help in reducing infant death. Women's education, birth spacing, and household economic position all played a significant role in the decline in infant mortality. The health of infants born in rural Punjab is at risk due to a large rural–urban gap in the determinants of infant mortality. Uncovering and addressing this disparity has become a pressing health priority in Pakistan.