Social Determinants of Maternal Health Care Evidence from Hilly and Non-hilly Regions of Maharashtra

Abstract

The study explores the social determinants of maternal health in two districts of Maharashtra. The study findings revealed marked differences in the utilisation of  maternal health care between tribal and non-tribal districts. Most women living in hilly tribal regions have no access to maternal health care. The study findings reveal that a range of issues including poor antenatal care to lack of access to medical facilities for institutional childbirths are responsible for low maternal health in hilly tribal regions. Geographical limitations, low socio-economic status, cultural belief systems, inadequate infrastructure and transport facilities, and low quality of public health care impact the overall maternal health in the tribal region.

Keywords: maternal health care, social determinants of health, tribal and non-tribal districts

DOI: 10.32444/IJSW.2024.85.2.201-222