Determinants of Institutional Delivery in Afghanistan: A Secondary Analysis of Multi Indicator Cluster Surevey(MICS) 2022 and 2023 Data

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health issue in Afghanistan, with the country exhibiting one of the highest maternal mortality ratios (MMR) globally. Delivery of a baby within an institution is a vital indicator of maternal and newborn health. This study explored the association between institutional delivery and various socioeconomic factors, particularly maternal education, using data from the Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2022 and 2023. We analyzed data from over 12578 women of childbearing age to determine the influence of education, economic status, and geographic location on institutional delivery rates. Our findings indicate that higher maternal education and better economic conditions significantly increase the likelihood of institutional delivery, whereas rural residency and lower socioeconomic status remain substantial barriers. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address educational disparities and economic inequalities to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Afghanistan. This study provides critical insights for policymakers and public health professionals aiming to reduce the MMR in Afghanistan by promoting education and socioeconomic development.