Author: FERDOUSI AKHTER
AKHTER, FERDOUSI, 2008 THE ROLE OF FAMILY PLANNING IN REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY IN BANGLADESH, Flinders University, School of Social and Policy Studies
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The main objective of the study is to analyze the role of family planning program in reducing maternal mortality in Bangladesh. A conceptual framework has been developed in which family planning is shown to be integrated in reducing maternal mortality. This study found that the risk factors of maternal mortality e.g. unwanted pregnancy, high parity, and early and old age at child birth still prevail in Bangladesh. It is hypothesized that the prevalence of these factors can be substantially reduced by a proper practice of family planning. There is a high level of unmet need for family planning Bangladesh, and its removal will substantially help in reducing maternal mortality in the country. The risk factors of maternal mortality are strongly associated with lack of family planning practice and other socio-economic and demographic background characteristics of women. By using data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) of 2004 and the Bangladesh Maternal Health and Maternal Mortality Survey (BMMS) of 2001 the study has analyzed the relationship of the risk factors of maternal mortality, namely wantedness of pregnancy, age at child birth, parity and birth interval with various socio-demographic factors. The analysis has shown that use status of family planning is influenced by the risk factors of maternal mortality. Wantedness of pregnancy has been found to be significantly related with age at birth, parity and birth interval. It has been also found that the risk factors of maternal mortality also affect on antenatal care. The study has identified some policy implications regarding family planning and maternal mortality, and has made appropriate recommendations. One of the major aspects of the strategies to reduce maternal mortality through family planning is to provide family planning services to all women, regardless of any group affiliation. Fulfilment of unmet for family planning has been recommended as an important strategy to reduce maternal mortality in the country. It addition, it is also recommended to raise the age at marriage and child birth, to space births and to limit family size by empowering women through education.
Keywords: unwanted pregnancy,high parity,maternal mortality,namely wantedness of pregnancy,age at child birth,parity and birth interval with various socio-demographic factors.
Subject: Women's Studies thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2008
School: School of Social and Policy Studies
Supervisor: Dr Gour Dasvarma