English abstract
Introduction: Infant mortality rate (IMR) is an important reflection of the well-being of
infants and their mothers in a community. Even though IMR has decreased substantially
before the start of the 20th century, it has experienced a stagnation in its reduction in the
last 10 years. Overall, no prior study has examined the determinants of IMR in Oman from
both a country level and multi-factorial perspective. This study aims to examine the
macroeconomic (ME), sociodemographic (SD), and health status and resources (HSR)
effects on IMR, as well as how they may interact with each other.
Methods: This was a retrospective time-series study aiming to gather yearly data for Oman
spanning a period of 43 years; from 1980 to 2022. Partial least squares-Structural Equation
Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to develop the exploratory model of the determinants
of IMR. Data was collected from several local and international sources, and numerous
quality assurance procedures were performed on them to ensure their quality.
Results: The final model of the research indicates that HSR determinants have a direct, but
negative effect on IMR (β=-0.617, p<0.001). SD has a direct and positive effect on IMR
(β= 0.447, p<0.001). ME exerts only an indirect effect on IMR, with an estimate of -0.854,
at p<0.001. ME determinants also exert some direct influences on both HSR (β=0.722,
p<0.001) and SD (β=-0.916, p<0.001) determinants.
Conclusion: This study's findings indicated the critical role that the economy plays in
improving the overall health of the population, and in reducing IMR particularly.
Furthermore, this research's results shed light on the great role that some health
intervention programs (such as the immunization program) have had on reducing IMR.
Thus, strategies that help to sustain these programs ought to be continually funded. Finally,
these findings indicate that an integrated policy that addresses socioeconomic, health related factors, as well the overall macroeconomic environment is necessary for the health
and well-being of the children, and the population overall in Oman.
