Maternal Decision-Making Power and Care-Seeking Behaviors for Acutely Ill Children: A Multilevel Analysis of 33 Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Timely and appropriate healthcare seeking is crucial to reduce child mortality. However, rates of care seeking for acute childhood diseases remain low in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study investigated the association between maternal decision-making power and care-seeking behaviors for children with diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) in SSA. Demographic and Health Surveys from 33 SSA countries were used in a sample of mother–child pairs (mothers aged 15–49 years; children aged 0–59 months) with a recent child episode of diarrhea (N = 41,729) and ARI (N = 71,966). Maternal decision-making power was defined as making decisions on all four familial topics alone or jointly with the husband/partner. Care-seeking behaviors were measured as seeking care from health providers, other types of providers, and any providers (including both). Multivariable three-level logistic regressions were conducted. Approximately 60% of the sample sought care from any provider (46–48% from health providers versus 13–14% from others). Approximately 28% of mothers had high decision-making power. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, high maternal decision-making power was associated with higher likelihood of seeking care from a health provider for both diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12) and ARI (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.03–1.11) and lower likelihood of seeking care from others (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82–0.97 for diarrhea; aOR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.82–0.94 for ARI). Maternal decision-making power was positively associated with their care-seeking behaviors from health providers for acutely ill children in SSA. Women’s empowerment interventions that particularly increase women’s agency in decision-making may holistically improve health and well-being of the next generation.