Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 11(2), pp. 224 - 231
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110204
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Inequalities of Access to Skilled Birth Attendants among Ethiopian Women

Nasser B. Ebrahim ^*
Department of Public Health, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-Daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, South Korea

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine the inequalities in coverage of skilled birth attendants among Ethiopian women. Access to skilled birth attendants, a key indicator for reducing maternal mortality, is a closely monitored parameter. Data from the World Health Organization's Health Equity Monitor database (HEAT) were analyzed and disaggregated by residence type, economic status, education, and subnational regions. Inequality summary measurements and the magnitude of skilled birth attendants for subgroups were calculated. The data were based on Ethiopia's Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) of 2000 (n=14072), 2005 (n=14500), 2011 (n=17817) and 2016 (n=16650). The results showed that the inequality gap between rural and urban residents has significantly increased, and access to skilled birth attendants improved with higher economic status and educational levels. Although the disparities among regions were small, they persisted. To achieve equitable progress towards universal coverage of births attended by skilled health personnel, targeted efforts and resources should be directed towards underserved poor and rural women, particularly those living in regional states. Health inequalities cannot only harm disadvantaged subpopulations, but also hinder a country's progress towards equitable health outcomes. The contribution of these findings is that it provided a comprehensive analysis of inequities in relations to accessing skilled birth attendants by Ethiopian women and identified highly disadvantaged groups. The results have highly relevant practical implications to reducing the gap in accessing skilled birth attendants that may ultimately contribute towards universal and equitable access to skilled birth attendants among Ethiopian women. Achieving equity in accessing skilled birth attendants will ultimately reduce maternal mortality rates, improve quality of life for women, and may lead to greater productivity and contribution of women to the society.

KEYWORDS
Skilled Birth Attendants, Inequalities, Women, Ethiopia, Africa

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Nasser B. Ebrahim , "Inequalities of Access to Skilled Birth Attendants among Ethiopian Women," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 224 - 231, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110204.

(b). APA Format:
Nasser B. Ebrahim (2023). Inequalities of Access to Skilled Birth Attendants among Ethiopian Women. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(2), 224 - 231. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110204.