Contextual influences on obstetric morbidity and related care seeking behaviour in Thailand

Abstract

This study examines the association of individual and community-level characteristics with obstetric morbidity and care seeking behaviour in Thailand. Community characteristics have been recognized to shape individual health, but there have been only a few studies explaining their influence on obstetric morbidity. Multi-level logistic regression analysis among 930 women, living in 86 villages indicated that not the community social and health infrastructure but community impoverishment was associated with the likelihood of reporting the morbidity and seeking appropriate care. The findings suggest that community factors should be taken into consideration while implementing programmes to improve maternal health. Copyright © 2009 SAGE Publications.