Authors: Bharati, Susmita; Pal, Manoranjan; Bharati, Premananda

Source: International Journal for Quality in Health Care, Volume 19, Number 4, 15 August 2007 , pp. 244-249(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Abstract

Background

The study area is the Birbhum district of the State of West Bengal in India. It is one of the backward districts in India.

Objectives

The paper investigates the existing pattern of obstetric health care practices and the factors associated with the utilization of such care.

Method

The present analysis includes 495 adult married women of both rural and urban areas of nine Blocks of Birbhum district. Besides performing ² tests to see the association of the relevant individual and household characteristics, logistic regression was also carried out to measure the effect of these characteristics on the use of obstetric health care.

Results

In Birbhum district of West Bengal 65 percent mothers go to doctors for antenatal check-up during their pregnancy, but only 26 percent mothers deliver their babies in institutions and 30 percent mothers get the help of professional health assistants during delivery. Educated women have emphasized role in the practice of obstetric health care. Husband's education and the standard of living of the family also have some effect on the practice of antenatal check up, place of delivery and assistance of health professional. While most of the family background variables have significant effect on the practice of antenatal check up, these variables do not have much effect on the choice of delivery or seeking assistance of health professionals.

Contrary to the popular belief the working status of women does not have favourable influence on the obstetric health care practices. In developing countries like India, it is the poverty, which compels the women to take jobsthat too in low paid jobs especially in rural backward areas.

Conclusion

The status of literacy of mothers and standard of living of the family are of prime importance in improving the obstetric health care practices.

Keywords: Obstetric health care; family background; socioeconomic condition; logistic regression; Birbhum district; West Bengal; India

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzm022

Publication date: 2007-08-15

More about this publication?

• The International Journal for Quality in Health Care makes activities and research related to quality and safety in health care available to a worldwide readership. The Journal publishes papers in all disciplines related to the quality and safety of health care, including health services research, health care evaluation, technology assessment, health economics, utilization review, cost containment and nursing care research, as well as clinical research related to quality of care.

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