Prevalence and correlates of age at first birth and utilization of maternal health care services among pregnant women in four Asian-Pacific Island countries

• DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.05.23296593
• Publication Date: 2023-10-06T06:20:21Z
• Authors: Wah W. Myint; David J. Washburn; Shinduk Lee; Brian Colwell; Petronella Ahenda; Jay E. Maddock
• Keywords: Marital status; Live birth

Abstract BACKGROUND Maternal mortality is still high among adolescent women worldwide. This study explores the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on having four or more antenatal care (ANC4+) visits and use Skilled Birth Attendants (SBA) in island countries: Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste. METHODS Data from Demographic Health Surveys Timor-Leste were used. We studied relationship utilization ANC4+ SBA aged 15-49 years with variables including women’s age at first birth, cohabitation, last groups, place residence, education, wealth, birth order, number living children, household ownership a vehicle, reproductive health knowledge. Descriptive, bivariate, multivariable logistic regression analyses performed. RESULTS Women before 18 ranged 18% Indonesia to 31% Guinea. In all countries, wealth status knowledge modern contraceptives significant predictors for use. older than 25 1.38 times (95% CI=1.09-1.74) likely those younger 19. Each country demonstrated different patterns that varied by vehicle. CONCLUSION Having births highlighted need reach young women, which can achieve through SBA.