INEQUALITY TRENDS IN MATERNAL HEALTH CARE SERVICE UTILIZATION: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

Abstract

Inequalities in maternal health care services prevents women of reproductive ages from accessing required care. These disparities can be significantly reduced if equitable delivery channels are available. This study examines the inequalities in maternal health care utilization outcome, the factors that determine these inequalities that can effectively reduce disparities in utilization. The paper uses data from the 2013 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys. The utilization variables are; at least four antenatal care visits, deliveries by skilled birth attendants, delivery in a health facility and postnatal care attendance. The concentration indices and slope index of inequality are used to determine the extent of socioeconomic inequalities maternal outcomes. The logistic regression is performed to ascertain the various socio-economic factors that influence utilization of services. Findings reveal low utilization of maternal health care services in the country especially among the poorest and poorer socio-economic groups. This is reflected in the top inequality pattern of mass deprivation of the poor from access to maternal health care services.