This study investigates the influence of women’s empowerment measured via spousal educational difference and women’s completed education level on the use of maternal health services (Antenatal care and skilled birth assistance), and whether it varies by ethnicity. A theoretical framework based on Kabeer’s three dimension of empowerment combined with Zimmerman’s approach and the rational choice theory informs the analyses. Data from the 2013/2014 Zambia Demographic and Health survey are analysed focusing on women aged 15 -49 years who are married/ live with a partner and had a birth in the past five years. Multivariate logistic regression is the tool of analysis.The results indicate significant association between women’s completed education level and use of maternal health services. Spousal educational differences show no significant association with the use of MH services. For both ANC and SBA use, a relatively weak relationship is seen with ethnicity. In addition, women’s wealth level, the province they live in and region of residence type appear to be important with respect to the utilization of MH services. The findings are explained in relation to the theoretical framework as well as previous studies, concluding the study with suggestions for further research.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:su-158073 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Mwale, Ackson Tyson |
| Publisher | Stockholms universitet, Sociologiska institutionen |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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