A Statistical Investigation of the Determinants of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) In Various Areas of Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is widely recognized as a crucial indicator of overall population health. This study explores the trends, causes, and factors influencing the IMR in the Lower Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Using secondary data collected from four major public hospitals, DHQ Hospital Temargara, THQ Hospitals in Chakdara, Samar Bagh, and Maidan, this research investigates the neonatal and post-neonatal mortality trends for the years 2023 and 2024. A total of 16,339 live births were analyzed over the two-year period. The study employs descriptive statistics, mortality rate calculations, and inferential analysis using the Chi-Square test to identify associations between hospital and type of infant death. The findings show a decline in IMR from 81.37 per 1,000 live births in 2023 to 69.24 in 2024, while neonatal mortality remained significantly higher than post-neonatal mortality in both years. DHQ Hospital Temargara recorded the highest IMR and neonatal death proportion. Key factors contributing to infant mortality include inadequate maternal healthcare, lack of skilled birth attendants, malnutrition, and limited access to postnatal care. The study highlights disparities in healthcare service delivery among hospitals and emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions, improved health infrastructure, and community health education to reduce preventable infant deaths. The results provide valuable insights for public health planners and policymakers aiming to strengthen child health outcomes and align with national and global health objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).