Relationships between infant mortality and socioeconomic and demographic factors in Kazakhstan: an analysis from a middle-income country in Central Asia.

BACKGROUND

Infant mortality rate is an important indicator of a nation's overall health and development. Kazakhstan, like many Central Asian countries, has faced its fluctuating trends during the last decade influenced by various socioeconomic factors. This study aims to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic and infant mortality indicators in Kazakhstan from 2010 to 2021.

METHODS

We analyzed aggregated panel data from all 14 regions of Kazakhstan and 3 major cities (Astana, Almaty and Shymkent) over a twelve-year period, including socioeconomic and demographic variables obtained from the Bureau of National Statistics and the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Log transformation was applied to achieve symmetrical distribution and standardization of selected variables. Multiple linear regression assessed the effect size of significant predictors on infant mortality.

RESULTS

The mean infant mortality rate was 10.22 per 1,000 live births, with higher rates in southern/western regions (e.g., Kyzylorda: 13.0) compared to northern areas (e.g., Pavlodar: 8.32). Our panel data analysis (2010-2021) revealed consistent socioeconomic patterns: unemployment rates and poverty levels showed positive relationship with infant mortality rates, while greater housing space per capita, lower income inequality (Gini coefficient), and higher living wages were correlated negatively. The regression model accounted for a substantial proportion of variance in infant mortality, emphasizing the role of economic stability, equitable resource distribution, and living conditions in improving infant health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study examines the relationship of infant mortality with socioeconomic factors in Kazakhstan. Economic growth alone is insufficient, equitable wealth distribution and comprehensive social and healthcare investment may contribute to the sustained reductions in infant mortality indicators. These findings may be valuable for policymakers not only in Kazakhstan but also in other Central Asian nations facing similar public health challenges.