Determinants of the utilization of maternal and child health services in Jordan
Abbas, A.A.; Walker, G.J.
International Journal of Epidemiology 15(3): 404-407
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5771 PMID: 3771079 DOI: 10.1093/ije/15.3.404Document Number: 243617
A survey of 1765 married women in Jordan with a recent live birth revealed wide variations in the utilization of antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. The respondents were representative of the total population of Jordan, with 46% living in the 3 main cities, 20% in the other urban localities, and 34% in smaller settlements. 50% of respondents received no antenatal care; this rate was highest (69%) among rural women and lowest (38%) among those from the urban centers. 48% delivered in a hospital, with a range from 38% among rural women to 60% in urban centers. 43% of those living in towns compared with only 35% of those in rural areas made use of postnatal services. 72% of respondents in rural areas versus 7% of those in the 3 main cities and 10% of women in other urban areas lived further than 5 km from a maternal-child health clinic. 53% indicated they had not received any health education dealing with pregnancy and delivery. The use of antenatal services was significantly associated with the following individual and health service access variables: level of female education, duration of marriage, increasing female age, parity 4-6, and low distance to health facility. Time and cost involved in travelling to services were significantly associated with nonuse. These findings suggest a need for more effective maternal-child health program coverage and outreach.