Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study compares maternal health services in Karnataka, India, using National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) 4 and 5 data. The objective is to study trends, identify key changes, and showcase insights into the state's progress in maternal healthcare. METHODOLOGY: The study examines a range of critical indicators related to maternity care and delivery care. These indicators include antenatal care (ANC), neonatal tetanus protection, iron folic acid consumption during pregnancy, postnatal care (PNC), institutional births, and cesarean section rates. RESULTS: In the transition from NFHS-4 to NFHS-5 within Karnataka, positive changes include increased ANC in the first trimester (65.9%-71%), improved PNC within 2 days of delivery (65.5%-87.4%), and a rise in institutional births (94%-97%). However, there is a concerning drop in mothers with at least four ANC visits (70.1%-58.1%). Karnataka also exhibits higher percentages in certain areas compared to the national average: maternal protection against neonatal tetanus (93.6% vs 92%), and institutional births (97% vs 88.6%). Nevertheless, there are challenges, including a higher rate of cesarean section deliveries in private health facilities (52.5% vs 47.4%). CONCLUSION: The analysis of NFHS data highlights Karnataka's notable progress in maternal and child healthcare, particularly in ANC, institutional deliveries, and postnatal services. However, challenges such as the decline in iron folic acid consumption and the rise in cesarean section rates point to areas requiring focused intervention. Strengthening public healthcare systems and implementing evidence-based practices will be key to sustaining progress and addressing emerging gaps.