Changes and Determinants of Maternal Health Services Utilization in Ethnic Minority Rural Areas in Central China, 1991–2015: An Ecological Systems Theory Perspective

Background: Universal maternal health coverage is a proven, effective strategy for maternal survival. This study aimed to describe the changes and determinants of maternal health service use between 1991 and 2015 in central China. Methods: The study was conducted in Enshi Prefecture. Women were eligible for inclusion if they were rural women who lived in villages, had live births during 1991–2015, could recall their maternal care histories, and had no communication problems. This retrospective study included 470 rural women in 9 villages and collected 770 records. The conceptual framework was designed based on the Society Ecosystem Theory. The determinants included micro-factors (individual characteristics), meso-factors (family factors, community factors, healthcare factors), and macro-factors (government-run maternal and child health programs, abbreviated as MCH programs). Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to analyze the determinants of maternal health service utilization. Results: The utilization of maternal healthcare has improved in Enshi. The hospital birth rate was 98.1% in 2009 and mostly 100% in subsequent years. The prenatal examination rate, the postpartum visit rate, and the continuum of maternal health service (CMHS) rate increased to 73.3%, 67.7%, and 53.4%, respectively, in 2009–2015. The utilization of maternal health services was affected by macro-factors, meso-factors, and micro-factors, with macro-factors being the most notable contributors. Conclusions: Despite the remarkable improvements in antenatal care (ANC) use and hospital birth, gaps in postpartum visits remain. Promoting the integrated continuum of maternal and child healthcare in ethnic minority rural areas requires the joint efforts of the government, health and other sectors, communities, families, and individuals.