Comparative study of obstetric outcomes between women on health insurance scheme and women on out of pocket payment

Abstract

Background: Payment methods for healthcare services in a country impact the health status of its people and the health indices of the nation. Research findings have shown that care received and obstetric outcomes of women seeking natal care and their newborns are affected by their health insurance status. Objective:Comparative study of obstetric outcomes between women on health insurance scheme and women on out -of- pocket payment. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective observational one involving1655 women who delivered during the period of the study, out of which 33 were on health insurance and 1622 paid out of pocket for their delivery and care. The study compared the obstetric outcomes between women on health insurance and those who pay out of pocket for obstetric care services. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for the data analysis. Univariate association between mode of payment and obstetric outcomes was explored using Pearson’s chi-square test with statistical significance, p-value set at p