Inequalities in utilization of maternal and child health services in Ethiopia: the role of primary health care
BackgroundHealth systems aim to narrow inequality in access to health care across socioeconomic groups and area of residency. However, in low income countries, studies are lacking that systematically monitor and evaluate health programs with regard to their effect on specific inequalities. We aimed to measure changes in inequality in access to maternal and child health (MCH) interventions and the effect of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities expansion on the inequality in access to care in Ethiopia.MethodsThe Demographic and Health Survey datasets from Ethiopia (2005 and 2011) were used. We calculated changes in utilization of MCH interventions and child morbidity. Concentration and horizontal inequity indices were estimated. Decomposition analysis was used to calculate the contribution of each determinant to the concentration index.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2011, improvements in aggregate coverage have been observed for MCH interventions in Ethiopia. Wealth related inequality has remained persistently high in all surveys. Socioeconomic factors were the main predictors of differences in maternal and child health services utilization and child health outcome. Utilization of primary care facilities for selected maternal and child health interventions have shown marked pro poor improvement over the period 2005 2011.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that expansion of PHC facilities in Ethiopia might have an important role in narrowing the urban rural and rich poor gaps in health service utilization for selected MCH interventions.
BMC Health Services Research