* Corresponding Author
Decoding the reasons for delivery of baby at home among indigenous women in India
https://doi.org/10.22146/ijg.111348 Sibani Basumatari(1), Bhobesh Daimary(2*), Jeemina Baglari(3), Konita Basumatary(4), Jhanin Mushahary(5), Pralip Kumar Narzary(6)
(1) Department of Geography, Bodoland University, India
(2) Department of Geography, Bodoland University, India
(3) Department of Education, Bodoland University, India
(4) Department of Economics, Bodoland University, India
(5) Department of Political Science, Bodoland University, India
(6) Department of Geography, Bodoland University, India
(*) Corresponding Author
Abstract
Maternal health remains a pressing concern in India, as the country is marked by vast socio-cultural diversity. A substantial percentage of indigenous mothers in India still deliver their babies at home. Therefore, the present study aims to find out the levels and determinants of institutional delivery. To fulfill the set objectives data has been taken from nationally representative dataset- National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5). Appropriate univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques have been applied. The multivariate analysis indicates that education, religion, sex of household head, wealth quintile, children ever born, registration of pregnancy, antenatal care, place of residence, region and topography have a significant effect on the place of delivery. Education of mother and wealth quintile tends to have negative bearing on home delivery. Compared to Hindu indigenous mothers, all other women are more likely to deliver their babies at home. Similarly, mothers living in female-headed households and rural areas, as well as those with a higher number of children ever born, show a greater likelihood of home delivery. Conversely, pregnancy registration and antenatal care exert a negative effect on home delivery. The present study indicates that topography has a great role in determining the place of delivery. However, the belief that it is ‘not necessary’ remains the most frequently cited reason for home delivery. Hence, concerted effort is required to bring down the home delivery among the indigenous mother for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.
Received: 2025-09-19 Revised: 2025-12-11 Accepted: 2026-04-29 Published: 2026-04-30
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ijg.111348
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