Equity in reproductive and maternal health services in Bangladesh

International Journal for Equity in Health

Research

Eyob Zere¹  Yuki Suehiro²  Aminul Arifeen²  Loshan Moonesinghe²  Sanchoy K Chanda²  Joses M Kirigia³ 

[1] Department of Health Systems Financing, Health Authority, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;United Nations Population Fund, Dhaka, Bangladesh;World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo;

关键词: Antenatal Care;    Human Development Index;    Antenatal Visit;    Home Delivery;    Maternal Health Service;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1475-9276-12-90

 received in 2012-11-19, accepted in 2013-11-12,  发布年份 2013

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is now closer than ever. There is lack of sufficient progress in achieving the MDG targets in many low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, there has also been concerns about wide spread inequity among those that are on track to achieve the health-related MDGs. Bangladesh has made a notable progress towards achieving the MDG 5 targets. It is, however, important to assess if this is an inclusive and equitable progress, as inequitable progress may not lead to sustainable health outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess the magnitude of inequities in reproductive and maternal health services in Bangladesh and propose relevant recommendations for decision making.MethodsThe 2007 Bangladesh demographic and health survey data is analyzed for inequities in selected maternal and reproductive health interventions using the slope and relative indices of inequality.ResultsThe analysis indicates that there are significant wealth-related inequalities favouring the wealthiest of society in many of the indicators considered. Antenatal care (at least 4 visits), antenatal care by trained providers such as doctors and nurses, content of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, delivery in health facility and delivery by caesarean section all manifest inequities against the least wealthy. There are no wealth-related inequalities in the use of modern contraception. In contrast, less desired interventions such as delivery by untrained providers and home delivery show wealth-related inequalities in favour of the poor.ConclusionsFor an inclusive and sustainable improvement in maternal and reproductive health outcomes and achievement of MDG 5 targets, it essential to address inequities in maternal and reproductive health interventions. Under the government’s stewardship, all stakeholders should accord priority to tackling wealth-related inequalities in maternal and reproductive health services by implementing equity-promoting measures both within and outside the health sector.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Zere et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2013