Inequalities in Utilisation of Maternal Health Care Services in Nepal

In the context of Nepal, this study calculates inequalities in utilisation of maternal health care and relative contribution of different factors affecting it. It used data from the latest round of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey-4, 2011. Concentration index and decomposition of concentration index are used as the methods of analyses. CI estimates in three selected indicators suggest considerable inequalities in maternal health care utilisation. Results of decomposition analyses indicate that the critical factors contributing to inequalities in <3ANCs are poor economic status of households and women's and her partner’s illiteracy. However, in case of no institutional delivery, along with poor economic status of household and women’s illiteracy, the rural place of residence also emerged as a critical factor. For no post natal care within a day, birth order becomes significant factor, next to poor economic status of the household in terms of the relative contribution to total inequalities. Policies and program targeting maternal health interventions need to take note of the findings to achieve equity with efficiency in utilisation of maternal health care, and further to achieve the targets of millennium development goal 5 in Nepal.