Population-Based Study on the Maternal-Newborn-Child Health Continuum of Care: Evidence From Lower-Middle-Income Countries in Southeast Asia

Asia Pac J Public Health. 2022 Jul;34(5):547-556. doi: 10.1177/10105395221088615. Epub 2022 Apr 8.

Abstract

This article aimed to assess the relationships within the continuum of care for maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) at four service levels, the utilization distribution, and its contributing factors in six lower-middle-income countries in Southeast Asia. It was based on data from the Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative and repeated cross-sectional survey, on 50 619 ever-married women aged 15-49 years. Only 21.9% of women (n = 10 252) obtained all four levels of continuing MNCH services. Women and husbands' education and employment, parity, mass media consumption, and wealth quintiles were the strongest determinants for the continuation of care, apart from access to health care, decision-making autonomy in health care, and women's age. Identifying populations that experience health inequalities, prominent policy intervention, and better health promotion and advocacy systems regarding pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal and immunization care might help to enhance maternal and child health and equity outcomes.

Keywords: antenatal care; child immunization; continuum of care; postnatal care; skilled birth attendant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asia, Southeastern
  • Child
  • Child Health
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal Health Services*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care