ABSTRACT
Urban slum populations often have limited or delayed access to critical maternal and child health services. Recent migrants, who typically have weaker social networks and limited familiarity with the urban service environment, are at a further disadvantage. This study examines the effects of migration and socio-economic status on utilization of maternal and child health services in a large-scale slum population sample of household heads in and around Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Using data collected from the Dhaka Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (UHDSS), we conducted bivariate statistical analysis to explore the relationship between household head duration in the city (migration status) and maternal and child healthcare outcomes, including antenatal care, facility delivery, skilled delivery by a doctor and immunization coverage. Our findings point to the need for new interventions that alleviate the widespread health coverage disparities affecting rural-to-urban migrants in slum areas. Such interventions should aim to help recent migrants learn to navigate the complex health service ecosystems of urban areas or, alternatively, provide seamless solutions for accessing care in the sending area without disruption in social ties, work or continuity of care.
