The nexus between healthcare provider distribution and neonatal mortality based on the context of maternal and child healthcare services in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Healthcare provider dearth, particularly in Low and Middle-income countries (LMICs), reduces the development towards improved healthcare outcomes and accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-3). This study aims to investigate the association between Professional and Non-professional healthcare provider distribution and neonatal mortality through the mediating role of maternal and child healthcare (MCH) services in Pakistan. Methods: The present research used data from the 2018 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) total sample that comprises (N = 8022). The dependent variable includes the risk of neonatal mortality 0–30 days. Bivariate and Multivariate analyses were conducted by utilizing the Cox proportional hazards and regression models. The estimation of mortality rates was achieved through generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) and the 5000 bootstrap technique. All the investigations were carried out in STATA v. 16.1. Results: Our results revealed that around 2.46% of neonatal deaths occur. The average healthcare provider distribution type was professional, 83.45%, non-professional, 1.45%, and no care, 15.11%. 0.88% of females are less likely to die within the first thirty days of their birth compared to males. The regression outcomes demonstrate that the healthcare providers were positive and significantly linked to neonatal mortality. Additionally, a unit increase in healthcare providers has a 1.20% Higher likelihood of increasing the MCH and overall reducing neonatal mortality (HR = 0.60). Conclusion: The outcomes illustrate that healthcare provider distribution and MCH play a vital role in minimizing neonatal mortality. To ensure well-distributed healthcare provider distribution, promoting maternal education, empowering women’s decision-making in acquiring MCH services utilization, and expanding access to free MCH services are the essentials for better maternal and healthcare outcomes.