Access to Antenatal Care in Laos: Analysis Using National Level Survey*

Abstract

Laos has the highest maternal mortality rate in Southeast Asia. The present study examines antenatal care and birth location in relation to the residence, household education levels, wealth, ethnicity, age and media interest of pregnant women. The logit and OLS regression results show that pregnant women living in urban areas and rural areas with roads, from wealthy families, in the Lao ethnic group and in the young age group are more likely to receive antenatal care and have professional health workers deliver their children. Therefore, greater governmental efforts are required to make antenatal care available to all pregnant women.