Factors associated with utilization of maternal health services in Myanmar

One of the significant causes of maternal deaths during pregnancy is low utilization of maternal health services, particularly in limited-resource settings. Proper utilization of these services can help reduce the rate of maternal mortality. Utilization of maternal health services is currently being promoted in Myanmar, however, the factors which influence on the use of these services have not been explored broadly. This present study aimed to explore the levels and patterns of utilization of maternal health services among Myanmar mothers, as well as the factors which could influence their utilization including general characteristics, mass media exposure, and woman decision making power. We have utilized secondary data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey in 2015 – 2016. Participants were 1,633 women aged 15 – 49 years who had pregnancy and childbirth experience within five years prior to survey. The utilization of maternal health services was defined as complete when the mother received at least four times antenatal care with correct timing of first visit from skilled healthcare providers along with delivery care from skilled birth attendants. From our findings, although more than half of mothers (66%) have received minimum four times antenatal care, the proportion of complete utilization was found only 29.4%. This low percentage was due to incorrect timing of first visit or not providing by skilled health professionals. Age, number of children, wealth index and husband education appear to have a significant impact on utilization. Women who were in age group of over 40 years, or who were in the richest group of wealth index, or whose husbands with higher educational level were more likely to have complete utilization. On the other hand, women who had three or more children were found less likely to receive complete utilization. Although neither mass media exposure nor woman decision making power was found associated with complete utilization, the high proportion of watching television and women in decision-making positions were observed among mothers in this study. Overall, utilization of maternal health services in Myanmar was relatively low. The correct timing of first antenatal care visit and attendance with skilled health professionals should be promoted, which television can be a potential media to share about maternal health related knowledge and information.