Inequalities and factors associated with maternal healthcare services utilisation in Mozambique: evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey 2022-2023.

backgroundMozambique has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. While some progress has been made, further efforts are required to ensure that women in Mozambique have access to high-quality healthcare. A key strategy for reducing maternal and child mortality is to promote adequate access to and utilisation of maternal healthcare services.

methodsWe used the population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey 2022-2023 data (n=3808). The survey employed a two-stage stratified sampling design that yielded a nationally representative sample at the household level. Four essential maternal healthcare services outcomes were defined: adequate (at least four visits) antenatal care by a skilled provider, lab-based test services (blood, urine and ultrasound), births with a skilled birth attendant and postnatal care by a skilled provider.

resultsOverall, 18.6% of women received

conclusionOur findings highlight the need for targeted interventions such as improving women's education, healthcare infrastructure and distance barriers and promoting gender equality to ensure greater service utilisation. These findings could help advance further development and implementation of Mozambique's national strategies, and development assistance, for community-based primary healthcare and women-centred care as they provide the latest evidence on this topic.