Maternal health care utilization among ever married youths in Kyimyindaing Township, Myanmar

This study aimed to identify maternal care services utilization among ever married female youths (15-24 years) in Kyimyindaing Township, Yangon, Myanmar. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 196 ever married females who had delivered at least one child were included. Multistage sampling was employed. Face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire were carried out. Respondents were asked about their maternal care services utilization at the last pregnancy. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the factors associated with utilization of maternal care services. Overall 96% of respondents received antenatal care (ANC) at least once and 79% had at least 4 ANC visits. The mean number of antenatal visits increased with women's education level. The majority received late ANC regardless of residence, age, education and family income. Nearly 39% delivered at home, especially in rural areas and 79% of home deliveries were attended by traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Only 56.6% of women received at least one postnatal care visit. Inadequate postnatal care (<6 times) was identified (82.6%). Place of residence, women's education and ANC frequency were the key determinants for a delivery place and postnatal care. Despite relatively high antenatal care attendance, most women practiced home deliveries and received inadequate postnatal care. Maternal health services need to be focused on rural women and women with little or no education. Quality ANC should be the entry point of safe delivery and postnatal care. Further intensification of information, education and communication activities on "safe motherhood" is needed.