HOUSEHOLD DECISION-MAKING ON OBTAINING MATERNAL HEALTH CARE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY IN DHAKA CITY, BANGLADESH

Considering the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 5, the targets of Bangladesh is to reduce the maternal mortality rate into 143/100,000. At present, one third of pregnant women don't receive antenatal care. More than 70% of births took place at home. Only 29 percent of mothers receive postnatal care from a medically trained provider within 42 days after delivery. The aim of the study is to understand the barriers to household decision on obtaining maternal health care services. This is a qualitative study with phenomenological approach. The data collection process is guided through FGD, and in-depth interview. The findings show that careless about pregnancy, workload and the care of other children are viewed as reasons for poor adherence to ANC and delivery care. Mothers-in-law play an influential role in the uptake of ANC as well as delivery care in Bangladesh. Women prefer same sex health care professionals and there is no need to go for postnatal check-up when everything is normal. Decision-making is recognized as a complex process entwined with local belief systems and social relationships. Mothers, mothers-in-law, other female relatives, friends and neighbors are trustworthy sources of information in Bangladesh and play important role in decision making process.