Patterns of maternal and child health services utilization and associated socioeconomic disparities in sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Under-five mortality remains a global health issue, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where preventable conditions largely drive the high mortality rates. Understanding the heterogeneity in utilization of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services is crucial for reducing under-five mortality. Here we show that among 9307 under-five mortality cases across 31 sub-Saharan African countries (2014–2024), maternal and child health service utilization falls into three distinct patterns—lowest, medium, and highest. Socioeconomic status strongly predicts subgroup membership: higher maternal education, employment, urban residence, and wealth are associated with lower odds of being in the lowest utilization group. Inequality indices further reveal disparities by education, wealth, residence, and employment. Our findings show a strong link between socioeconomic status and maternal and child health services utilization. To address under-five mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, targeted strategies are needed to improve access and uptake of essential health services among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services are seen as important in addressing under-five mortality. This study finds that socioeconomic status predicts utilization of these services in sub-Saharan Africa. Uptake of essential services among low socioeconomic status groups must be improved.
Source: Nature Communications
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W4413411806