Women’s Autonomy and Extent of Utilization of the Maternal and Child Health Care in Pukesmas Kongbeng, Indonesia

Abstract

The descriptive-correlational research sought to assess the relationship
between the extent of women’s autonomy and maternal and child health-care
utilization in Puskesmas Kongbeng, Indonesia. The participants were the 210
mothers; 30 mothers from each village. Modified questionnaire patterned
from Indonesia Demographic Health Survey (IDHS, 2012) was employed for
instrument. Using frequency count and percentage, mean, and chi-square
for data analysis results unveiled that women in Puskesmas Kongbeng area
have an active role in decision making about theirs and family’s healthcare,
economy household, food, and about having a child. The differences
in the extent of autonomy in decision making have been affected by the
number of living children. Age and work status of women have affected the
extent of autonomy among women in Puskesmas Kongbeng in freedom of
movement, which means that Indonesian government programs for women
empowerment have been achieved. However, Indonesia is a Patriarchal
country which means that most of the Indonesian women show respect to
their husbands as leaders in the household. They can go out to other places
on their own, but they respect the decision of their husbands before leaving.
The differences in age, ethnicity, number of living children and educational
attainment affect the utilization of antenatal care services. The differences
in age, ethnicity, gross monthly income and number of living children affect
the utilization of intrapartum/childbirth services. Lastly, the differences in
age, religion, ethnicity, gross monthly income, the number of living children
and educational attainment affect the extent of child health care utilization.
The extent of women’s autonomy is a significant contributory factor on their
extent of utilization of maternal and child health care services in Puskesmas
Kongbeng.