Analysis of women's health care situation in 46 poor counties of West China

Objective: To throw light on the current situation of maternal health care and analyze the corresponding influential factors, for the purpose of finding appropriate ways to improve it. Methods: The 9 provinces/ autonomous regions and the subordinate 46 poor counties involved in the investigation were pointed by the MOH and UNICEF. Then, a multistage stratified sampling method was used to cover the townships, villages, women and their children. Results: Altogether 86% women received at least one antenatal checkup and the majority of checkups (47.8%) were done at township hospitals. 49.3% of pregnant women gave birth to their babies at home while 48.5% in hospitals. Conclusion: The percentage of in-hospital delivery should be hoisted, professional capability of health and care provider in township hospital also should be improved and the spread of health knowledge for women should be enforced. These will be helpful for the improvement of health care condition of women in western backward areas.