Examining the determinants of probability of dying among adolescents

Purpose This study aimed to examine the determinants of adolescent mortality probability in selected Middle Eastern and North African countries. Design/methodology/approach Panel data analysis models were employed. The dependent variable was the probability of dying among adolescents ages 10–14, while the independent variables included the number of hospital beds (per 1,000 people), health expenditure (as a percentage of gross domestic product), gross domestic product per capita, prevalence of undernourishment, democracy index, control of corruption and urban population ratio. The study covered data from 2010 to 2019. Findings Control of corruption and urban population ratio were found to significantly reduce the probability of adolescent mortality ( p < 0.05), whereas the prevalence of undernourishment significantly increased it ( p < 0.05). Originality/value This study is the first in the literature to comprehensively investigate the determinants of adolescent mortality probability in selected Islamic countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to reduce adolescent mortality rates.