Spatial clustering of maternal health services utilization and its associated factors in Tanzania: Evidence from 2015/2016 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey

Abstract

Background: Utilization of maternal health services is the most significant component of safe motherhood, with severe effects on mother and child health. Though early and timely utilization of maternal health care services is recommended,  many women do not access them.  This study is aimed at examining the spatial clustering of maternal health services utilization and its associated socio-economic factors in Tanzania.

Methods: The secondary data analysis was conducted using Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS) 2015-16.  Spatial clusters of high and low use of maternal health care were detected using the Bernoulli model implemented in SaTScan™ software.  The multiple logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors of maternal health services utilization in Tanzania. 

Results: The Spatial analysis revealed that antenatal care and delivery care are heterogeneous across regions. High utilization was detected in Eastern and East-central regions, while low utilization was detected in northern and northwest regions.  Moreover, mother's age, education level, wealth status, and several children were identified as predictors of the use of antenatal care and delivery care.

Conclusion: Results suggest spatial variation across the regions, though the data are insufficient to identify factors associated with a specific cluster. More data and analysis are needed to establish factors associated with high and low utilization of maternal health care services.