Exploring Pediatricians’ Perspectives on High Infant Mortality Raxes in Turkiye’s Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia Region: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers’ Experiences and Insights

Abstract

Despite significant national declines in infant mortality in Türkiye, marked regional disparities persist, with the Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions reporting the highest rates. These regions are characterized by lower health workforce density, the burden of large refugee populations, and potential data limitations. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of pediatricians—frontline healthcare providers—working in these high-mortality areas to understand the underlying challenges driving these persistent poor neonatal and infant outcomes. Through in-depth interviews, the study aimed to gather healthcare providers’ experiences and insights regarding the influence of health system factors (including workforce distribution and the capacity for high-quality care), the impact of demographic shifts, and issues related to vital registration and mortality data completeness. The findings illuminate the complex interplay of socioeconomic, systemic, and demographic pressures that strain healthcare delivery and hinder mortality reduction efforts in these disadvantaged provinces. This work provides critical, context-specific evidence to inform targeted policy interventions aimed at strengthening the health workforce, improving infrastructure, and reducing health inequalities across Türkiye.