Correlates of being sick or injured in under five-year old children by district in Pakistan: A spatial analysis case study.

ABSTRACT

This case study demonstrates the use of population based, spatial analysis of public health indices in Pakistan. The data for this study were obtained from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics website. Using district level data, for the spatial analysis of having being sick or injured, and their correlates in the under-five year old children. Percent under 5 year children, who either fell sick or injured during the past two-weeks by district, was used as an outcome variable in the final spatial regression model. While district level population density, average household size, literacy ratios for females were used as explanatory variables. As opposed to the final Ordinary-Least-Squares model, only population density was statistically significant in the spatial model. Limitations in terms of availability of current and regularly updated, attribute as well as geographic data in the country are underscored by the results of this case study.