Does gender equality and availability of contraception influence maternal and child mortality? A systematic review

Abstract

Background Current global maternal and child health policies rarely value gender equality or women’s rights and are restricted to policies addressing clinical interventions and family planning. Gender equality influences the knowledge, autonomy and utilisation of contraception and healthcare, thereby affecting maternal and child health. This systematic review aims to analyse the concurrent effect of gender equality and contraception on maternal and under-5 child mortality. Methods A systematic review was conducted to investigate the current evidence. Studies were eligible if three themes—namely, indicators of gender equality (such as female education, labour force participation, gender-based violence), contraception, and maternal or child mortality—were present together in a single article analysing the same sample at the same time. Results Even though extensive literature on this topic exists, only three studies managed to fit the selection criteria. Findings of two studies indicated an association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and infant mortality, and also reported that women’s contraceptive use increased the risk of IPV. The third study found that the mother’s secondary education attainment significantly reduced child mortality, while the mother’s working status increased the odds of child mortality. The researchers of all included studies specified that contraceptive use significantly reduced the risk of child mortality. Conclusion Improvement in gender equality and contraception concurrently affect the reduction in child mortality. These findings provide strong support to address the research gaps and to include a gender equality approach towards maternal and child health policies.