Universal maternal and child health coverage and its socio-demographic determinants: Findings from the Demographic Health Survey, 2015-16, Afghanistan

The present study aimed to assess 8 key Maternal and Child Health (MCH) indicators and their socio-demographic determinants in Afghanistan using the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey. It was quantitative analysis on cross-sectional data of ever-married women aged 15-49. The MCH indicators included possession of a health card, birth weight of the child, postnatal check-up, full immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, tetanus toxoid, place of delivery, and antenatal check-up (ANC). We employed multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and a general linear model to identify associations of MCH indicators with their determinants. The analysis was conducted among 30,000 women. MCA yielded one strong latent construct that accounted for 76.7% of the total variation. The ANC visits, place of delivery, possession of health cards, postnatal visits, and tetanus toxoid vaccination were strongly discriminating items for this dimension. Women who were younger, had a girl child, belonged to the lower wealth quintile, were illiterate, and did not have access to improved drinking water had a higher probability of poor maternal and child health indicators (p<0.05). The MCH situation and their socio-demographic determinants need to be addressed as a priority with concurrent investment in health infrastructure, womens education, and health literacy of populations.