The relationship between socioeconomic factors and HIV-related deaths in South Africa A panel econometric approach

The research investigates the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and HIV-related mortality in South Africa, a nation with one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV-AIDS globally. This work employs a pooled mean group estimator and a viable generalised least squares approach to analyse provincial data from 1993 to 2023. The findings demonstrate that socio-economic determinants significantly influence HIV-related mortality in South Africa, although the connection differs by province and over the long term. The study identifies economic disparity, youth and adult unemployment, and household income as major predictors of HIV-related mortality in certain provinces, whereas the labour force correlates with decreased HIV-related deaths in others. The research indicates that an increase in household wealth may not inherently result in enhanced health outcomes and could potentially worsen the issue of HIV-related mortality in South Africa. The study's results have ramifications for policy and practice. Policymakers must evaluate the unforeseen repercussions of augmenting household income on HIV-associated mortality and implement a comprehensive strategy when developing policies connected to socio-economic determinants and HIV-related fatalities in South Africa. The report advocates for the mitigation of income disparity and unemployment, enhancement of labour force participation, formulation of province-specific policies and interventions, improvement of educational access, and the pursuit of further research as effective measures to reduce HIV-related mortality in South Africa. Key Words:HIV-related deaths, Income inequality, Panel Analysis, Youth and Adult Unemployment, South Africa