Publication:

Mothers on the move: a mixed methods exploration of maternal and child healthcare access among migrant women in Bengaluru

Background Migrants in India face unique challenges in accessing maternal and child health (MCH) services. This study assessed the usage pattern and determinants of MCH services among migrant women in the Sarjapur PHC area of Bengaluru urban district, Karnataka.

Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted between December 2023 and June 2024. Quantitative data was collected from 100 eligible migrant women using a semi-structured questionnaire. Adequate utilization was defined based on 8 indicators (ANC visits, IFA adherence, institutional delivery, PNC, immunization, family planning, Anganwadi enrolment, health worker contact); meeting ≥6 criteria was considered adequate. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and logistic regression. Qualitative data was gathered through 3 FGDs and 4 key informant interviews and analysed thematically.

Results 74% of migrant women had adequate MCH utilization. Institutional delivery (90%) and immunization (88%) had the highest uptake, while IFA adherence (64%) and postnatal care (72%) lagged behind. Key predictors of adequate utilization included literacy (AOR 4.10, p=0.012), gainful employment (AOR 2.85, p=0.046), and South Indian origin (AOR 2.76, p=0.032). Qualitative findings highlighted the role of frontline workers, peer influence and familiarity with services as facilitators, while language barriers, time constraints and poor awareness were key barriers.

Conclusions Despite relatively high overall utilization, migrant women, particularly those from north India, face systemic barriers. Targeted outreach, flexible service delivery and culturally sensitive strategies are needed to improve equity in MCH access.