Determining Inequality and Trend of Geographic Accessibility to Pediatricians in Iran: 2007-2013

Introduction: The mortality rate of children is one of the most important indicators to measuring the development of countries. Equitable access to pediatricians is an important factor in reducing child mortality and promoting society health. The aim of this tudy was to investiget the Inequality and trend of geographic accessibility to Pediatricians in Iran in the period 2007 to 2013. Materials and Methods: We used the Gini coefficient and the index of dissimilarity for investigating the geographic distribution of pediatricians in the period 2007 to 2013 in Iran. Also, a regression model used for detrminig time trend of inequality. Data about the number of pediatricians and number of live birth in each province were obtained from the Statistical Center of Iran (SCI). Results: The Gini coefficient was 0.27, 0.24, 0.26, 0.23, 0.23, 0.23, 0.25 and 0.21 in 2007 to 2013, respectively. The dissimilarity index of pediatricians were 18.35, 17.4, 19.4, 16.73, 14.93, 14.66 and 11.99 during 20072013. The time trend analysis showed that inequality have been decreased during the studied period and it was not statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that there are some inequality in Pediatricians distribution and most of Pediatricians are in developed provinces. Thus policy makers for improving  child’s health in Iran should develop a comprehensive plan for equitable distribution of pediatricians.