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Poverty and sociocultural factors of use of maternal services in Ivory Coast
Authors: A. Koné-péfoyo, and M. Rivard
Source: Revue d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 54(6): 485-495; DOI:10.1016/S0398-7620(06)76748-7
Topic(s): Maternal health
Poverty
Country: Africa
  Cote D'Ivoire
Published: DEC 2006
Abstract: Background Better health for populations is linked to the adequate access to health services. This is particularly important in developing countries, where a number of economic, social, and geographic barriers exist. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as they have many health needs and problems. In addition, the use of maternal health services is particularly influenced by economic and socio-cultural factors. Therefore, we intended to appreciate the association between poverty, socio-cultural factors and use of maternal health services in Ivory Coast. Methods For this study, our data were from the demographic and health survey in Ivory Coast in 1998. We used the logistic regression models to analyze the relation between poverty, socio-cultural factors and use of services (antenatal care, type of delivery). Results 62.4% of women used antenatal care adequately and 48.9% delivered in good conditions. Poverty is strongly linked to the use of services whatever the socio-cultural and demographic aspects are, with the poor using less services than the richer. Concerning the impact of socio-cultural characteristics, women living alone or with one adult (OR= 1.60; 95% IC= 1.06-2.42), those who are Christian (OR= 1.83; 95% IC= 1.25-2.67) or Akan are more likely to have adequate antenatal care than women living with 5 adults or more, having traditional or no religion, and those who are Senoufo or non Ivorian. Besides, when the number of children increases, they are less likely to consult. Primiparous, Christians (OR= 2.45; 95% IC= 1.68-3.59) or Muslims (OR= 1.73; 95% IC= 1.10-2.72) are more likely to deliver in a health center with a qualified assistance. Conclusion Poverty has a negative effect on the use of maternal services but one should also take into account certain socio-cultural characteristics, namely number of adults in the household, parity, ethnicity and religion. While reducing poverty, it appears important to involve family members and religious or ethnic leaders in order to improve this use. Author Keywords: Pauvreté; Facteurs socioculturels; Utilisation des services; Santé maternelle; Côte d’Ivoire Author Keywords: Poverty; Socio cultural factors; Use of services; Maternal health; Ivory Coast