Factors affecting maternal healthcare services utilization in the districts of Maharashtra

Pandurang Sontakke

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263702

Authors

Pandurang Sontakke Amity Institute of Liberal Arts, Amity University Mumbai, Panvel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263702

Keywords:

Maternal healthcare utilization, Satara & Nandurbar, Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: This study investigates factors influencing maternal healthcare service utilization across two contrasting districts of Maharashtra—Nandurbar (tribal) and Satara (non tribal).

Method: Using a descriptive quantitative design, primary survey data were collected from 240 mothers who had delivered within the preceding 11 months. Outcomes examined included full antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery, and postnatal care (PNC), with associations tested against socio demographic and household characteristics.

Results: Findings reveal stark disparities. Full ANC utilization was significantly lower in Nandurbar (31%) compared to Satara (45%), with geography exerting a strong influence: plain talukas reported over 60% coverage, while hilly talukas recorded as low as 0%. Institutional delivery followed a similar pattern, with Satara achieving 81% compared to 51% in Nandurbar; plain regions reported nearly universal coverage (93%), while hilly regions lagged at 39%. PNC utilization also showed marked differences, with Satara at 75% and Nandurbar at 49%. Socioeconomic gradients were evident across all services. Women with higher education and wealth consistently reported greater utilization, while those with no schooling or low wealth indices had the lowest uptake. Parity further influenced outcomes, with first time mothers more likely to access services than those with three or more children. Caste disparities were pronounced, with Scheduled Tribe mothers consistently reporting lower utilization.

Conclusions: The study underscores that maternal healthcare access in Maharashtra is structured by geography, education, wealth, and parity. Addressing these inequities requires geographically sensitive strategies, targeted outreach in tribal and hilly regions, and interventions that strengthen education, awareness, and economic support for vulnerable women.

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