Degree

Master of Science in Economics

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Economics

Date of Submission

2025-09-26

Supervisor

Dr. Faiz ur Rehman, Associate Professor Economics - SESS, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi

Project Type

MSECO Research Project

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Maternal Health Care Utilization, Gender Norms, Decision Making Authority, Gender Inequality and Antenatal Care

Abstract

This study explores the impact of gender inequality and marital gender norms on maternal healthcare utilization in Pakistan, a predominantly patriarchal society where women often lack decision-making power. Using data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) with a sample size of 16,240 women aged 15-49 who have experienced a live birth in the past five years, this research applies exploratory data analysis and regression techniques. The study assesses gender inequality at the individual, household, and community levels, focusing on women’s decision-making authority in mobility, healthcare, and household expenditures. It is hypothesized that gender norms significantly influence maternal healthcare utilization, with stronger associations expected for key indicators such as antenatal care visits and skilled birth attendance. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into how gender norms shape healthcare choices for women in Pakistan, offering implications for improving maternal health outcomes in the region.

Pages

x, 50

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