Health insurance coverage and maternal health services in Rwanda
A policy paradox
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21515560 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Manzoor Ahmad Malik (0000-0002-5746-790X, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee), Wondimagegnehu Alemu (Emory University) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 377-391 |
| Publication date | 2024-03-04 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Social Economics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0306-8293 • E-ISSN: 1758-6712 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/ijse-01-2023-0059 |
| OpenAlex | W4385772282 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
Purpose Research has found a strong correlation between maternal healthcare and health insurance coverage. But, despite having one of the best health coverage systems in the developing world, Rwanda still faces formidable challenges in provision certain key maternal health services, leading to higher levels of maternal morbidity and mortality. To understand this paradox, this study will examine the association between maternal health services and insurance coverage, utilizing the latest data from the Rwanda Demographic Health Survey. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 6,167 childbearing women aged 15–49 years, a bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the paradoxical relationship between health insurance and maternal health services, such as antenatal care, in Rwanda. Findings The results reveal significant differences in ANC4+ and the timing of the first ANC, which remain low in Rwanda. Despite significant improvements in delivery factors and skilled ANC providers, ANC4+ rates in the country remain the lowest. However, this study found a positive and significant association between ANC4+ and insurance coverage (AOR = 1.64, p < 0.001). Originality/value Rwanda has implemented an effective health insurance policy, but there has been minimal progress in the utilization of maternal health services. Therefore, there is a strong need for policy interventions to reduce barriers to healthcare utilization. Additionally, supply-side factors such as transportation, socio-cultural factors and other logistic barriers should be examined in greater detail. These factors may overshadow the impact of health insurance on the utilization of healthcare services in Rwanda. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2023-0059
Actuarial science · Business · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental health · Health care · Psychological intervention · Global Health Care Issues · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Medicine · Nursing · Health Policy
Drivers of health system strengthening
The impact of health insurance on maternal health care utilization
Health care financing and utilization of maternal health services in developing countries
Supply-Side and Demand-Side Cost Sharing in Health Care
Spatio-temporal disparities in maternal health service utilization in Rwanda
Community-based health insurance and access to maternal health services
The Effect of Microcredit on Women Empowerment in Welfare and Decisions Making in Malaysia
| Highly cited | No |
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