Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Supervisor

Dr. Bridget Ryan

Abstract

To date, literature exploring maternal healthcare utilization among Muslim populations has largely focused on religious differences. However, little research exists exploring maternal healthcare utilization within Muslim populations. This highlights a research gap because studies across religious groups may obscure important variation within Islamic women. The primary objective of this study assessed if there is equity in MHU among Muslim mothers in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Multivariate logistic regression revealed inequities to be present in the three countries. Predicted probabilities revealed a narrower equity gap in MHU in Bangladesh compared to India and Pakistan. The successes of Bangladesh’s recent efforts to reduce inequity within its Muslim community offer lessons for policy-makers in India and Pakistan. The results from this study underscore the need to look past Islam as a reason for inequity and look further within Muslim communities for solutions.

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