Social classification and maternity practices in Aurangabad, India

A population of 3870 individuals constituting 823 families residing in five different localities of Aurangabad city was surveyed by house to house visits. The objectives of the study were to assess the validity of social classification by residence in certain localities. The variable used in the study was maternity practices. Family members and children under five years of age were recorded. Mothers of children were asked occupation of the head of the family and delivery details pertaining to these children. Social class was decided by residence in particular localities of the city, classified according to easily ascertainable characteristics of housing. Validity of such classification was judged by comparing it with classification by well known variable like occupation. The findings indicate that the system provides an inexpensive and rapid method of social classification. A total of 661 deliveries were recorded. A total of 67.62% deliveries were conducted in Government or Private Institutions. The remaining deliveries were home deliveries conducted by untrained personnel. Indigenous dais (traditional birth attendants) conducted 20.27% and senior female relatives 10.89% of the total deliveries. The findings, thus, stress the need of identifying and training dais in urban areas.