Spatial Distribution of Infant Mortality in Ethiopia: Using Demographic Health Survey, the Ethiopia

Abstract Background Mortality is one of the demographic variables that affect population trends. Among mortality of children, Infant mortality contributed to more than 75% of all under-five deaths globally. It disproportionately affects those living in the different regions of countries and within the region. Exploring the spatial distribution and identifying associated factors is important to design effective intervention programs to reduce infant mortality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of infant mortality in Ethiopia using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Method The Data this study were used Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey in 2016. A total of 11,023 live births from the EDHS data were included in the analysis. Spatial analysis was done to explore spatial distribution of infant mortality using ArcGIS version 10.4. Results This study revealed that the spatial distribution of infant mortality was non-random in the country with Moran’s index 0.1546 (P-value=0.0185). The Afar and Somali regions of Ethiopia were identified in this study on the hot spot of infant mortality. Conclusions The spatial distribution of infant mortality varies across the country. ANC usage, sex of a child, birth interval, birth size, birth type, birth order, wealth index, residence, region, and the spatial variable (Si) were significant predictors of infant mortality. Therefore, it needs interventions in the hot spot areas. Focusing on maternal health care services, rural residences, multiple births, infants having a smaller birth size, and male infants deserves special attention.