Biomedical
Subnational variations in electricity access and infant mortality: Evidence from Ghana
rnfinity
Mohammed Mikidadu
Mohammed Mikidadu
Department of Economics & Business Administration, Austin College,
Abstract
Objectives: The study investigated the relationship between electricity access and infant mortality at the sub- national level in Ghana, controlling for correlates such as birth interval, children living with both parents, women’s education, and income distribution. Methods: The study employed a pooled cross‐section regression approach using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) for 10 administrative regions from 1993 to 2014. The GDHS is a detailed data set that provides comprehensive information on households and their socio‐economic and demo- graphic characteristics in Ghana. Results: The results show that in regions with low incidence of infant mortality, a 10% improvement in elec- tricity access reduces infant death by 11.8 per 1,000 live births, whereas in high mortality regions, improve- ment in electricity access has no impact on infant death. Birth interval reduces the risk of infant death in low mortality regions but not in high mortality regions. Children living with both parents have a high proba- bility of survivorship in high mortality regions. Women’s median years of education lowers the likelihood of infant death in high mortality regions but increases the likelihood in low mortality regions. Wealth distribution is inconsequential for infant death in low mortality regions, but in high mortality regions, both the wealthiest and the poorest experienced significant decline in infant death. Conclusions: The findings underscore the fruitfulness of investigating the effects of electricity access and other correlates on infant mortality at the subnational level. The study recommends that the provision of reliable access to electricity is needed to improve infant mortality rates. However, policies that seek to improve access to reliable electricity should be implemented together with health infrastructure development policies, espe- cially in the regions with high infant mortality rates, for electricity access to have the desired effect.
Key Question
What is the main focus of this study?
The study investigates the relationship between subnational variations in electricity access and infant mortality rates in Ghana, analyzing data from 1993 to 2014.
What methodology was used in the research?
The researchers employed a pooled cross-section regression approach using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) across 10 administrative regions over the specified period.
What were the key findings regarding electricity access and infant mortality?
In regions with low infant mortality rates, a 10% improvement in electricity access was associated with a reduction of 11.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. However, in regions with high infant mortality rates, improvements in electricity access did not significantly impact infant death rates.
How do other factors like birth interval and parental cohabitation influence infant mortality?
The study found that longer birth intervals reduced the risk of infant death in low mortality regions but not in high mortality regions. Additionally, children living with both parents had a higher probability of survival in high mortality regions.
What are the implications of this research?
The findings suggest that while improving electricity access can reduce infant mortality in certain regions, other factors such as birth spacing and family structure also play crucial roles. Policymakers should consider these variables when designing interventions to reduce infant mortality.
Why is this study significant?
This research provides nuanced insights into how infrastructure improvements and socio-demographic factors interact to influence infant mortality, highlighting the need for region-specific strategies in public health planning.
