Changes in maternal health care utilization in Afghanistan, 2010–2011 to 2022–2023

Maternal healthcare utilization may have increased between the two survey periods, the political transition during the survey period was not directly measured, limiting the ability to draw causal inferences. The study findings highlight that improvements in women's education and economic status are strongly associated with higher use of maternal healthcare services. Persistently low levels of educational attainment and poor economic conditions among women remain significant barriers to accessing essential maternal health services. Ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare is therefore critical for improving maternal health outcomes and advancing Afghanistan's progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4.