Patterns of Health Services Utilization During Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period: Evidence from Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey

Abstract

Utilization of health services is a multidimensional behavioural phenomenon, particularly when it comes to pregnancy and delivery concerns. The importance of maternal health care services in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity has received a significant recognition. Most of the maternal deaths can be prevented if women have access to basic antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. However, uptake of maternal health care services is very low even in the areas where they are extensively available. The aim of this study is to assess the pattern and identify underlying factors on maternal health care utilization in Pakistan. Data is taken from Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019. Logistic regression was performed and adjusted odd ratios were calculated by using three dependent variables – Ideal Antenatal Care (IANC), birth assisted by Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA), and Postnatal Care (PNC). Impact of biological and socio-demographic variables were computed, and findings revealed that with the increase in age, education and household wealth, women are more likely to have better opportunities to use ANC, SBA and PNC. The focus of policy considerations should be on the provision of high-quality services as well as on educating women about the value of receiving such services during pregnancy and the postpartum period through education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, skilled staff and voluntary health workers can be recruited to make future agendas in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity more successful.