Factors Associated with Maternal and Child Health Services in Bangladesh

For MNCH services maternal and child health is an essential component. The study found the factors associated with MNCH services use in Bangladesh. Secondary data was used from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–2018. The primary focus of the investigation was maternal and child healthcare use. A modified composite coverage index (CCI) was constructed to be the completion of the continuum of care (CoC). Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured to examine its association with the standard of living among the participants. To explore the various dimensions of SES disparities in the CCI scores, we implied the relative index of inequality (RII), slope index of inequality (SII), and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) There was a significant disparity in CCI scores based on SES status. Women in the wealthiest category were 2.30 times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61–3.28) to have higher CCI scores than those in the poorest. Several other factors were associated with a greater likelihood of achieving higher CCI scores including having a secondary or higher education, exposure to mass media at least weekly, residing in an urban area, having an intended pregnancy, and having only one child (parity of one), These findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on MNCH service utilization. Conclusion: The low completion rate CoC for MNCH services in Bangladesh suggests that mothers are not fully using available healthcare. This disparity is further emphasized by the significantly higher CCI score among participants from SES, highlighting SES as a key factor influencing access and completion of MNCH CoC services.