Data from: Paternal factors and inequity associated with access to maternal health care service utilization in Nepal: a community based cross-sectional study

Background: The threat of maternal mortality can be reduced by increasing
use of maternal health services. Maternal death and access to maternal
health care services are inequitable in low and middle income
countries.The aim of this study is to assess associated paternal factors
and degree of inequity in access to maternal health care service
utilization. Methods: Analysis illustrates on a cross-sectional household
survey that followed multistage-cluster sampling. Concentration curve and
indices were calculated. Binary logistic regression analysis was executed
to account paternal factors associated with the utilization of maternal
health services. Path model with structural equation modeling (SEM)
examined the predictors of antenatal care (ANC) and institutional
delivery. Results: The finding of this study revealed that 39.9% and 45.5%
of the respondents’ wives made ANC visits and utilized institutional
delivery services respectively. Men with graduate and higher level of
education were more likely (AOR: 5.91, 95% CI; 4.02, 8.70) to have ANC of
their wives than men with no education or primary level of education. Men
with higher household income (Q5) were more likely (1.99, 95% CI; 1.39,
2.86) to have ANC for their wives. Similarly, higher household income (Q5)
also determined (2.74, 95% CI; 1.81, 4.15) for institutional delivery of
their wives. Concentration curve and indices also favored rich than the
poor. SEM revealed that ANC visit was directly associated to institutional
delivery. Conclusions: Paternal factors like age, household wealth, number
of children, ethnicity, education, knowledge of danger sign during
pregnancy, and husband’s decision making for seeking maternal and child
health care are crucial factors associated to maternal health service
utilization. Higher ANC coverage predicts higher utilization of the
institutional delivery. Wealthier population is more concentrated to
maternal health services. The inequities between the poor and the rich are
necessary to be addressed through effective policy and programs.