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Maternal Health Care Utilization Among Ever Married Youths in Kyimyindaing Township, Myanmar

Maternal and Child Health Journal volume 16, pages 1021–1030 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

This study aimed to identify maternal care services utilization among ever married female youths (15–24 years) in Kyimyindaing Township, Yangon, Myanmar. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 196 ever married females who had delivered at least one child were included. Multistage sampling was employed. Face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire were carried out. Respondents were asked about their maternal care services utilization at the last pregnancy. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the factors associated with utilization of maternal care services. Overall 96% of respondents received antenatal care (ANC) at least once and 79% had at least 4 ANC visits. The mean number of antenatal visits increased with women’s education level. The majority received late ANC regardless of residence, age, education and family income. Nearly 39% delivered at home, especially in rural areas and 79% of home deliveries were attended by traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Only 56.6% of women received at least one postnatal care visit. Inadequate postnatal care (<6 times) was identified (82.6%). Place of residence, women’s education and ANC frequency were the key determinants for a delivery place and postnatal care. Despite relatively high antenatal care attendance, most women practiced home deliveries and received inadequate postnatal care. Maternal health services need to be focused on rural women and women with little or no education. Quality ANC should be the entry point of safe delivery and postnatal care. Further intensification of information, education and communication activities on “safe motherhood” is needed.

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Notes

  1. Ward: an administrative area of townships in urban/cities.

  2. Village tract: a group of near-by villages in rural.

  3. CI = confidence interval.

  4. One took ANC from TBA alone.

  5. AOR = Adjusted odds ratio.

  6. Respondents could not differentiate categories of health staff (between Lady Health Visitors, Midwives & Auxiliary Midwives).

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Acknowledgments

Sincere gratitude goes to Professor Myo Oo for providing helpful comments and guidance. I am indebted to local health authorities for their kind and generous assistance for data collection. A special note of appreciation must go to all respondents. Without their contribution, this study would not be possible.

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  1. Department of Health Behaviour and Communication, University of Public Health, No: 246, Myomakyaung Street, Latha Township, 11142, Yangon, Myanmar

    Kyi Kyi Sein

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  1. Kyi Kyi Sein
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Correspondence to Kyi Kyi Sein.

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Sein, K.K. Maternal Health Care Utilization Among Ever Married Youths in Kyimyindaing Township, Myanmar. Matern Child Health J 16, 1021–1030 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-011-0815-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-011-0815-8

Keywords

  • Maternal health care utilization
  • Married female youths
  • Myanmar
  • Reproductive behaviour
  • Safe motherhood