Inequities in Skilled Birth Attendance in Namibia
Author Information
Author(s): Zere Eyob, Oluwole Doyin, Kirigia Joses M, Mwikisa Chris N, Mbeeli Thomas
Primary Institution: Africa's Health in 2010, Academy for Educational Development
Hypothesis
What are the drivers of wealth-related inequalities in child delivery by skilled health providers in Namibia?
Conclusion
Inequalities in wealth and education of the mother are the main drivers of inequities in the percentage of births attended by skilled health personnel.
Supporting Evidence
- About 80.3% of the deliveries were attended by skilled health providers.
- Skilled birth attendance in the richest quintile is about 70% more than that of the poorest quintile.
- The rate of skilled attendance among educated women is almost twice that of women with no education.
- Women in urban areas access the services of trained birth attendants 30% more than those in rural areas.
- Use of skilled birth attendants is over 90% in certain regions, while the lowest is seen in others.
Takeaway
In Namibia, richer and more educated women are more likely to have skilled help during childbirth, showing that money and education matter a lot for getting good health care.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the Namibia Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07 using a decomposable health concentration index.
Limitations
The study does not account for household income or consumption expenditure directly, using a wealth index instead.
Participant Demographics
The study included a representative sample of 10,000 households across various regions in Namibia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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