Maternal Health Care based on Iran Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey (IrMIDHS-2010)

Given the importance of monitoring the status of maternal health provision in the country، this study aimed to evaluate the utilization of maternal health services by province using data from Multiple Indicators Demographic and Health Survey in I. R Iran. This study used data Multiple Indicators Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2010 in I. R. Iran. Indicators of maternal health services including place of delivery، type of delivery (vaginal or Cesarean section)، postnatal care (at least one visit)، antenatal care coverage، and births attended by skilled health personnel were calculated using data on 3974 women aged 15-54 with a live birth in the two years preceding the survey. Findings of the study were compared with the results reported from Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2000. All indicators of maternal health services except Cesarean section have been improved in the past 10 years. The Cesarean section rate has been increased from 35% to 46% with a rising trend، becoming a countrywide phenomenon. The highest rates of delivery in en route belonged to Tehran province (5. 33%). Highest rates of delivery in home were observed in Sistan and Baluchestan، and Kohgilouyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces. The lowest rate of postnatal care belonged to Ilam (45. 7%) and Kerman (55. 9%) provinces. Regarding improvements in the surveyed indicators in women aged 15-54، inequalities in provinces of the country have clearly been decreased during the past decade. Appropriate intervention programs should be developed to address local needs and reduce Cesarean section rate effectively. Postnatal care needs to be at high priority among national programs. Appropriate intervention programs should be developed to address local needs and reduce Cesarean section rate effectively. Postnatal care needs to be at high priority among national programs.