Utilization of Skilled Birth Attendants during Childbirth in Nepal

Skilled birth attendants (SBAs) are directly related to achieving MDGs (Goal 4- reducing child mortality and Goal 5- improving maternal health). Low utilization of SBAs may contribute to high level of maternal and neonatal mortality. Most of the deaths occurred during childbirth. The majority of these deaths are avoidable. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing the utilization of SBAs during childbirth. Furthermore, this study assessed changes in the rate of utilization of SBAs over a five year period from 2001 to 2006 and also evaluated the impact of mass media on utilization. This observational evaluation study is based on a pooled cross-sectional design and uses data from the 2001 and 2006 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys. The book highlighted the significant changed in utilization of SBAs during childbirth in Nepal in the five-year period but this proportion of utilization of SBAs is far below the MDG target. This analysis will be helpful for the students and professionals who are working in the field of MCH in developing countries or anyone else who are working for increasing SBAs during childbirth.

Autorentext

Sujan Karki, MA, MPH: Studied Public Health in TU, Nepal and RH Research in IPSR, Mahidol University, Thailand with MEASURE EVALUATION scholarship. Worked as Research Officer in New ERA, Pioneer Research Org. in Nepal. Research Officer and Co-author, NDHS 2006. Currently serves as Program Officer, M&E in Nepal Family Health Program.