Use of Maternal Health Care in Rural India: Relative Importance of Socio-Economic Status and Accessibility

Biplab Dhak, Gujarat Institute of Development Research

With the evidence of low maternal health care utilization, particularly lack of full ante natal care, institutional delivery, this study investigates determinants of seeking antenatal care and institutional delivery, with the focus of assessing relative importance of socio-economic status and accessibility to health centre. Using nationally representative data set from the District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3), this study reiterates the low level of maternal health care utilization in rural India and shows correlation with both various socio-economic factors and accessibility to health facilities where association has been stronger with socio-economic factors than the accessibility to health facilities. Further, it has been observed that self motivation fails to ensure women with maternal health care utilization unless they are motivated or permitted by their husband or mother in-law.