Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Major/Program
Public Health
First Advisor's Name
Alejandro Arrieta
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee chair
Second Advisor's Name
Gilbert Ramirez
Second Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Third Advisor's Name
Noël Barengo
Third Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Fourth Advisor's Name
Mihaela Pintea
Fourth Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Keywords
Women's Empowerment; Religion, Maternal Healthcare, Child Healthcare, DHS
Date of Defense
3-23-2023
Abstract
Purpose: The dissertation explored the multifaceted and complex issue of women's empowerment, its association with maternal and child healthcare, and the potential association with religion on healthcare utilization. Maternal and child health has been a major global concern, particularly in developing countries with significantly higher mortality rates. The study examined whether women's empowerment, religion, and interaction were associated with maternal and child healthcare while identifying gaps in the existing research.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design, using data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in Pakistan (2017-2018) and India (2019-2021), with sample sizes of 6,151 and 26,985, respectively. The inclusion criteria were women between 15 and 49 years old who had given birth once and no more than five years prior to the survey. The outcomes were antenatal care visits, tetanus injections, skilled birth attendants, and low birth weight. Women's empowerment was assessed through factor analysis, probit regression was conducted, and marginal effects were reported.
Findings: The studies found that women's empowerment enhances maternal outcomes in Pakistan. The likelihood of having required antenatal care visits was 8% points higher, 6% higher points higher for tetanus injection, and 8% higher for having skilled birth attendants. Religion may also play a key role; however, the second paper found little literature analyzing the association between women's empowerment and religion. The following paper found that religion was vital, but women's empowerment reduced its significance. It was displayed that the likelihood of having required antenatal care was 2% points higher for decision-making (selection) and 5% points higher for decision-making (judgment). The likelihood of having required antenatal care was 5% points low for financial (durable assets), which is an unexpected result.
Conclusion: In conclusion, women's empowerment and religion are essential to consider when assessing maternal and child healthcare situations. Future research should examine the interaction between women's empowerment and religion on maternal and child healthcare utilization to address current research gaps.
Identifier
FIDC011033
ORCID
0000-0003-1995-5352
Recommended Citation
Qamar, Aamna, "Association of Women's Empowerment and Religion with Maternal and Child Healthcare Utilization" (2023). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5289.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5289
Included in
Health Services Research Commons, International Public Health Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons
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