Studying the Spatial Impact of Energy Poverty, Air Pollution, and Socio-Economic Status (SES) on Public Health (under-5 mortality rate) in Selected Asian Countries

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Razi University

Abstract
The under-five mortality rate is one of the most common indicators of socio-economic development and health of a population. The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of this index in selected Asian countries, focusing on environmental, socio-economic and demographic factors, using the health production function of Smith and Dunnet (1992) and the spatial econometric model for the period 1980-2022. The results of the cointegration test, considering cross-sectional dependence, indicate the existence of a long- runrelationship between the variables of the model. Also, the results confirm the spatial correlation of the selected Asian countries. In all spatial models (SDM,SAC,SAR), the spatial autocorrelation coefficient is positive, indicating the existence of strong spatial spillover effects on mortality. Pollution (environmental factor ) and unemployment (economic factor) significantly increase mortality, and trade (economic), access to electricity (energy poverty) and education spending (social factor) significantly reduce mortality. The results show that with increasing population density (demographic factor), people have easier access to public health services and public health improves. Also, all explanatory variables in the model have spatial spillover effects on mortality. Therefore, .Public health is a dynamic and evolving field that is constantly changing with environmental, social, economic, and demographic influences. Policies to control pollution, reduce unemployment, increase trade, education spending, and access to electricity should be a priority for Asian countries to protect the health of their own communities and neighboring countries. Improving the quality of life and improving public health requires international cooperation

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 August 2026

  • Receive Date 15 December 2025
  • Revise Date 20 July 2026
  • Accept Date 08 August 2026