Maternal education and the utilization of maternal and child health services in India

Publication Date: January 1997

Publisher: International Institute for Population Sciences; Macro International

Author(s): Pavalavalli Govindasamy; B. M. Ramesh

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Coverage: India

Abstract:

Using NFHS data for selected states in northern and southern India, the authors show that mother's schooling results in improved child survival because educated mothers use health services that effectively prevent fatal childhood diseases to a greater extent than do mothers with little or no education. Regression analysis indicates that the benefits of mother's education persist even when other socioeconomic factors are taken into account. The NFHS Subject Reports is a series summarizing secondary analysis of data from the 1992-93 National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India. The NFHS collected information from nearly 90,000 Indian women on a range of demographic and health topics. Conducted under the auspices of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the survey provides national and state-level estimates of fertility, infant and child mortality, family planning practice, maternal and child health, and the utilization of services available to mothers and children. IIPS conducted the survey in cooperation with consulting organizations and 18 population research centers throughout India. The East-West Center and a U.S.-based consulting firm, Macro International, provided technical assistance, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided financial support.