Comparison of inequality in utilization of maternal healthcare services between Bangladesh and Pakistan: evidence from the demographic health survey 2017–2018

Table 4 Relative and absolute inequality measure of maternal healthcare use by common equity strata

Inequality measures	Bangladesh				Pakistan
Inequality measures	Single ANC visit (1st trimester) by skilled provider	At least four ANC visits by skilled provider	Skilled birth attendance	Facility-based delivery	Single ANC visit (1st trimester) by skilled provider	At least four ANC visits by skilled provider	Skilled birth attendance	Facility-based delivery
Urban–rural
Rate ratio (ref: urban)	1.416	1.371	1.422	1.399	1.435	1.650	1.289	1.310
Rate difference (ref: urban)	0.139	0.159	0.201	0.179	0.209	0.279	0.193	0.198
Employment status
Rate ratio (ref: not currently employed)	1.284	1.058	1.314	1.348	1.133	1.187	1.084	1.076
Rate difference (ref: not currently employed)	0.090	0.026	0.139	0.142	0.065	0.084	0.057	0.050
Wanted last child
Rate ratio (ref: yes)	1.289	1.281	1.253	1.293	0.992	0.991	0.971	0.988
Rate difference (ref: yes)	0.087	0.108	0.112	0.118	− 0.004	− 0.005	− 0.022	− 0.009
Pregnancy termination history
Rate ratio (ref: yes)	1.062	1.119	1.087	1.109	1.083	1.071	0.972	0.985
Rate difference (ref: yes)	0.023	0.055	0.046	0.053	0.044	0.036	− 0.021	− 0.011

Employment is categorized as currently working (having worked in the past 7 days, including women who did not work in the past 7 days but who are regularly employed and were absent from work for leave, illness, vacation, or any other such reason) and not currently working

ISSN: 1742-4755