OBJECTIVETo assess the extent and relative changes of the equities in prenatal care utilization among women with different educational attainment in some areas of China.

METHODSData were collected in 13 counties/cities covered by Perinatal Health Care Surveillance System established by Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University. The study population consisted of 103 704 women who delivered single live births in 1994 and 2000. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were employed to compare the systematic management rates and relative risks. Concentration index was used to assess the relative changes of equities in prenatal care utilization. SPSS 11.5 and Microsoft Excel 2003 were used for analysis.

RESULTSThe total systematic management rate was 22.1% in 1994 and 57.4% in 2000. The concentration index was -0.046 in 1994 and 0.066 in 2000. In northern areas, the concentration index increased from 0.015 in 1994 to 0.295 in 2000, while it increased from -0.015 in 1994 to 0.062 in 2000 in southern areas. In rural areas, the concentration index increased from 0.002 in 1994 to 0.026 in 2000, while it decreased from 0.042 in 1994 to 0.019 in 2000 in urban areas.

CONCLUSIONInequities in prenatal care utilization in 2000 become more obvious than in 1994, especially in northern areas. More attention should be paid to solve the inequities.