Assessing Healthcare Access Disparities and Mother–Child Health Outcomes in Pakistan: Evidence from PDHS (2017-18)

Abstract

This research examines the impact of inequities in contact with professional and non-professional health care providers through the utilisation of mother and child health services. Disparities in provider availability continue to hinder improvements in mother and child health, stunting progress on Sustainable Development Goal. Our study used Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017-18) data of 8,287 females (15-49 years). Bivariate and multivariate regression models were applied to assess the correlation between the health care provider. The results of regression analysis show that exposure to professional providers has a positive association with uptake of adequate ANC, service delivery and mother and child post-natal care. On the other hand, non-professional providers have a statistically significant but relatively weak association with ANC utilization and PNC visits. These results highlight the need to increase the presence of professional health providers and access to services to promote mother and child health care quality in Pakistan.