Discussion Paper No. 295 of 2023 on Gender Equality and Maternal Health Utilization: Perspectives from Kenya

Abstract

The paper investigates the implications of female household income on the utilization of modern maternal obstetric care (proxied by facility delivery) in Kenya. The study used a utility maximization model and a nationally representative dataset–Kenya Integrated Household and Budget Survey 2015/16. The results show that improving the share of female income relative to men (gender income equality) is strongly associated with the use of modern maternal healthcare. Other factors significantly correlated with modern maternal healthcare utilization include the mother’s age, insurance, years of schooling of the household head, and number of people living in a household. The study notes that income earned by the female members of a household is an important determinant in explaining whether a woman visits a health facility at the time of delivery or not. Similarly, women with access to insurance are likely to use modern maternal healthcare and thus reduce maternal mortality. Women who reside in rural areas are less likely to use modern maternal healthcare than those in urban areas. There is evidence to suggest that women from poor households are less likely to use modern maternal care relative to those from non-poor households. The government could consider investing in programmes that enhance the economic status of women. This empowerment is important for women’s decision making when seeking maternal health services at delivery.