Urban-Rural Differentials in Maternal Health Care Services in Madhya Pradesh: A Regional Perspective

The present study examines urban-rural differentials in maternal health care services in the regions of Madhya Pradesh by demographic and socio-economic characteristics using third round of District Level Household and Facility Survey (2007-08). Bivariate and multivariate techniques have been used for analysis. Result shows wide gap between rural and urban areas in utilizing maternal health care services in the regions of Madhya Pradesh. Malwa and South Central Region are the best performing region while South Western and Northern Region are the worst performing regions. Full ANC is very low in Madhya Pradesh. But there is much variation among the regions and within the regions among rural and urban areas. Almost half of the women in Madhya Pradesh had safe delivery. There also prevails noticeable difference in safe delivery and PNC. Multivariate analysis shows that education is a key factor that influences the utilization of maternal health care services.