| Ecological and socio-demographic differences in maternal care services in Nepal |
| Authors: |
Vrijesh Tripathi, and Rajvir Singh |
| Source: |
PeerJ, 3.e: 1215 |
| Topic(s): |
Antenatal care
Health equity
Maternal health
|
| Country: |
Asia
Nepal
|
| Published: |
SEP 2015 |
| Abstract: |
Background. Nepal is set to achieveMDG-5 goals by end of 2015.However, maternal
health parameters will remain way below those of developed countries. This study
was conducted to assess the factors contributing to utilization of ANC and safe
delivery services with the aim of furthering overall maternal health parameters in
Nepal.
Material and Methods. Using survey data from the Nepal Demographic and Health
Survey 2011, socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the utilization
of ANC and safe delivery services among women aged 15–49 years who gave births
during the last three years preceding the survey are examined. Data was segregated
into three ecological zones: Mountain, Hill and Terai zones for univariate analyses.
Data from all three zones was then pooled for univariate and multivariate logistic
regression analyses of Antenatal Care and Safe Delivery services in Nepal.
Results and Conclusion. The analyses show that rural place of residence is at a
disadvantage in receiving ANC (OR, 0.8; 95% CI [0.7–0.9]) and ensuring safe
delivery (OR, 0.6; 95% CI [0.5–0.7]).Woman’s education, husband’s education and
wealth quintile are significant factors in ensuring ANC and safe delivery services.
Further, the analyses show that Budh/Muslim/Kirat/Christians are at a significant
disadvantage in ensuring safe delivery (OR, 0.8; 95% CI [0.7–0.9]) as compared with
Hindus. Though ecological zones lost their significance in receiving ANC, women in
the Terai region are at a significant advantage in ensuring safe delivery (OR, 1.7; 95%
CI [1.2–2.1]). |
| Web: |
https://peerj.com/articles/1215/ |
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