A STUDY OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH PLACE OF DELIVERY AMONG WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN RURAL MAHARASHTRA

BACKGROUND: Skilled attendance at delivery is an important indicator in monitoring progress towards Millennium Development Goal 5 to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. In addition to professional attention, it is important that mothers deliver their babies in an appropriate setting, where lifesaving equipment and hygienic conditions can also help reduce the risk of complications that may cause death or illness to mother and child. OBJECTIVE: To study socio- demographic factors associated with place of delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during Jan 2013-April 2013 in a field practice area of medical college. The study included 400 married women under the age of 45 years, who had at least one child delivered in last one year. RESULTS: Of total 400 women, 320 (80%) women delivered in hospital. Muslim religion 22 (6.87%) and economic status (Upper & middle class) 315(98.44%) were attributed to higher delivery in hospital. literate mother 318(99.37%) delivered more in hospital compared to their counterpart while Knowledge about JSY 318(99.37%) also one of the determining factor in hospital delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The educational level, economic status and religion of mother are significant predictors of place of delivery. INTERPRETATIONS: The educational level among women with awareness regarding Janani surkasha Yojana should be increased to reduce number of home deliveries.