Abstract
The study aims to examine maternal complications in the eastern states of India. Further, an attempt is also made to understand the socioeconomic factors that determine the utilization of health care services during maternity in the state of West Bengal. The data used for the study are District Level Household Survey (DLHS) 2007-08, which reveals wide regional variations in maternal complications in India. But the state of West Bengal depicts a unique picture. It has the dubious distinction of achieving low fertility and mortality with high maternal complications. The utilisation of health care services in West Bengal was never near completion. Full utilisation of ANC which is essential for safe motherhood is just above national average. A large number of deliveries still take place out of the institution and are unsafe. Analysis reveals that higher age at motherhood increases the probability of utilising maternal health care services. Social groups, years of schooling, wealth index and place of residence also show significant relationship. The findings of the study provide an insight that efforts should be made to create awareness among socially and economically disadvantaged groups of the society about the benefits of utilisation of health care services. Further it also addresses the issue of creating awareness about MDG’s.
Highlights
Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women in the reproductive age
The data used for the study are District Level Household Survey (DLHS) 2007-08, which reveals wide regional variations in maternal complications in India
DLHS III, 2007-08 estimates that out of total birth 52 percent were delivered at home and out of which only 5 percent were assisted by a skilled person
Summary
Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women in the reproductive age It is the consequence of pregnancy and childbirth or the consequence of utilisation of health care services during pregnancy and childbirth. Though the maternal mortality ratio has improved over time but to meet the UN Millennium Development Goal, India needs to achieve the Maternal Mortality Ratio of 109 by 2015. Another program, Reproductive and Child Health Programme, emphasizes the need for mothers to deliver babies in hygienic conditions under the supervision of skilled health professionals, but most women in India deliver their babies at home without professional help. DLHS III, 2007-08 estimates that out of total birth 52 percent were delivered at home and out of which only 5 percent were assisted by a skilled person
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