Factors Affecting the Place of Delivery among Women Living in Rural Amroha, Uttar Pradesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Developing countries are riddled with poorhealth care infrastructure especially for pregnant women andchildren. Lack of access to quality health care was leading tohigh maternal mortality as well as maternal morbidity. Althoughsituation improved dramatically with the launch of conditionalcash transfer schemes. Prioritizing institutional deliveries overhome deliveries along with other added measures has helpedin changing scenario in short span of time.Objectives: Study was done for assessing the factors thatinfluence women’s decisions regarding their place of delivery,exploring the preferential place for delivery and Contribution ofskilled birth attendant in home deliveries.Methods: The present study was a cross sectional studyconducted in the rural area of Amroha district for a period ofone year from July 2015 to June 2016. Recently deliveredwomen (RDW) were selected as study subject. A multi-stagestratified sampling design with random approaches had beenused. Total 360 respondents participated in the study.Results: Respondents age, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, family type and family size were the factorsthat influenced the place of delivery. The institution was thepreferred place for delivery. Out of total 360 respondents,deliveries conducted in the institution and home were286(79.4%) & 74(20.6%) respectively. SBA attendance at thetime of delivery was impressively low. Just 1 (1.3%) deliverywas conducted by SBA.Conclusion: Institutional births are on rise in rural parts ofAmroha, Uttar Pradesh. Still Significant proportions of birthsare taking place at home despite the government led cashincentive and the other support provided by the healthcareproviders.