ABSTRACT
Maternal and child health care issues have always been on the forefront for policymakers and the government; however, achievements in this context are far from satisfactory. The dismal state of maternal and child health conditions in Bihar poses a threat to national efforts in this direction. After the launch of reproductive and child health programmes in 1998–99, government expenditure in this direction has increased appreciably, but the pace of achievement in maternal and child health indicators has not been impressive. This chapter aims at exploring regional variations in the utilisation of these services and the related socio-economic dimensions in Bihar. Findings of the study reveal that Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar, Purba Champaran, and Sitamarhi districts have high concentrations of poor and SC populations and low utilisation of maternal and child health facilities. On the other hand, the districts of Kaimur, Munger, and Rohtas have shown higher utilisation of these facilities. Using logistic regression analysis, we identified the factors responsible for low utilisation of maternal health services. It has been found that age, education, social-religious background, wealth status, place of residence of the women, and sex of the last child are important determinants of the utilisation of maternal health services in Bihar.
