Utilization and determinants of maternal and child health care services in Uttar Pradesh, India

Ravendra Singh, Government of India
Ajay Pandey, East West Center
Richa Sharma, Constella Futures, India

In this paper an attempt is made to explore determinants of the utilization of selected ante-natal (ante-natal check-up and iron and folic acid tablets), natal (place of delivery) and post-natal (post-natal check-up) health care services in Uttar Pradesh using NFHS-3 (2007-08) data. The analysis of determinants of various Maternal and Child Health aspects revealed that controlling for other variables, respondents' education exhibited significant positive effect on the use of ante-natal and natal health care services. Respondents belong to higher caste groups are more likely to use ante-natal and post-natal check-ups as compared to their Schedule caste/Schedule Tribe counterparts. Number of living children is significantly and negatively associated with the use of ante-natal and post-natal check-ups. Those wealthy have exhibited positive influence on ante and post-natal check-up. Use of ante-natal care services has a significant and positive effect on their place of delivery.