Measure of inequality (Concentration Index and 95% Confidence Interval) by study period.

<p>Measure of inequality (Concentration Index and 95% Confidence Interval) by study period.</p

Utilization of maternal healthcare services by study period.

<p>Utilization of maternal healthcare services by study period.</p

Program effect on maternal health care utilization: Difference-in-difference analysis.

<p>Program effect on maternal health care utilization: Difference-in-difference analysis.</p

Program districts under MNHIB and comparison districts from BDHS.

<p>Program districts under MNHIB and comparison districts from BDHS.</p

Socio-demographic characteristics of sample respondents by study period.

<p>Socio-demographic characteristics of sample respondents by study period.</p

Concentration curves of maternal and neonatal healthcare utilizations by study period.

<p>Concentration curves of maternal and neonatal healthcare utilizations by study period.</p

Rich-poor ratio in maternal health indicators by study period.

<p>Rich-poor ratio in maternal health indicators by study period.</p

Measure of inequality (Concentration Index and 95% Confidence Interval) in comparison districts in two BDHS surveys (2007 and 2011).

<p>Measure of inequality (Concentration Index and 95% Confidence Interval) in comparison districts in two BDHS surveys (2007 and 2011).</p

Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women and couples and its association with skilled birth attendance in rural Bangladesh

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Despite remarkable progress in maternal and neonatal health over past two decades, maternal and neonatal mortality in Bangladesh remain high, which is partially attributable to low use of skilled maternal and newborn health (MNH) services. Birth preparedness and complications readiness (BCPR) is recommended by the World Health Organization and by the Government of Bangladesh as a key intervention to increasing appropriate MNH services. This study aims to explore the status of BPCR in a hard-to-reach area of rural Bangladesh and to demonstrate how BPCR practices is associated with birth in the presence of a skilled birth attendant.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Data was collected using multistage cluster sampling-based household survey in two sub-districts of Netrokona, Bangladesh in 2014. Interviews were conducted among women with a recent birth history in 12-months and their husbands. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analysis using Stata 14.0 were performed from 317 couples.</p><p>Results</p><p>Mean age of respondents was 26.1 (SD ± 5.3) years. There was a significant difference in BPCR practice between women and couples for identification of the place of birth (84% vs. 75%), identification of a birth attendant (89% vs.72%), arranging transport for birth or emergencies (20% vs. 13%), and identification of a blood donor (15% vs. 8%). In multivariable analysis, odds of giving birth in presence of a skilled birth attendant consistently increased with higher completeness of preparedness (OR 3.3 for 3–5 BPCR components, OR 5.5 for 4–5 BPCR components, OR 10.4 for all 5 BPCR components). For different levels of completeness of BPCR practice, the adjusted odds ratios were higher for couple preparedness comparatively.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>BPCR is associated with birth in the presence of a skilled attendant and this effect is magnified when planning is carried out by the couple. Interventions aiming to increase BPCR practices should not focus on women only, as involving the couple is most likely lead to positive care-seeking practices.</p></div

Associations (adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI) between completeness of BPCR and birth in the presence of a skilled birth attendant, by women and couples.

<p>Associations (adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI) between completeness of BPCR and birth in the presence of a skilled birth attendant, by women and couples.</p