Maternal and Child Health in India: Networks and Information Diffusion

This book examines the process of information diffusion and the challenges of spreading awareness about maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in India, with a special focus on Bihar – a state in eastern India. Investing in the health of women and children results in significant and long-lasting economic and social benefits to society. Analysing the National Family Health Survey data, the volume explores the role that access to information has on the adoption of MCH practices. It also explores regional variations – between Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and non-EAG states and also across EAG states – in the impact of information networks. Using appropriate econometric methods, the authors study the role of peer effects and grass-roots health workers in bringing about a change in attitude within communities. The book looks at the process of information dissemination between the grass-roots health workers and the target women and brings to the forefront the intricacies of patriarchal family dynamics that hinder women from accessing basic maternal and child healthcare needs. Based on grass-roots experiences, the book provides sharp insights from the field for the benefit of researchers, policymakers, and activists. Rich in empirical data, this book will be of interest to academics and researchers of development economics, public health policy and practice, community health, healthcare administration and management, primary healthcare and family practice, and health and social care.