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The relationship between access to microfinance, health-seeking behaviour and health service uses: Evidence from Bangladesh

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  • Bhuiya, Mohammad Monzur Morshed
  • Khanam, Rasheda
  • Rahman, Mohammad Mafizur
  • Nghiem, Hong Son

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which participation in microfinance programs improves health service uses and health-seeking behaviour of participants. The study collects and analyses data from 439 households across 20 villages of four districts covered by three popular microfinance programs in Bangladesh. Our results suggest that participation in a microfinance program is positively associated with improvements in health services uses and health-seeking behaviour. Participation in microfinance programs is found to be associated with significant improvement in three health-related issues: antenatal care, diarrhoea remedial, and immunization. A positive association between participation in microfinance and other health service uses is also found with weak statistical evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhuiya, Mohammad Monzur Morshed & Khanam, Rasheda & Rahman, Mohammad Mafizur & Nghiem, Hong Son, 2018. "The relationship between access to microfinance, health-seeking behaviour and health service uses: Evidence from Bangladesh," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 9-17.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:60:y:2018:i:c:p:9-17
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2018.08.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bidisha, Sayema Haque & Khan, Akib & Imran, Khalid & Khondker, Bazlul H. & Suhrawardy, Gazi Mohammad, 2017. "Role of credit in food security and dietary diversity in Bangladesh," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 33-45.
    2. Geissler, Kimberley H. & Leatherman, Sheila, 2015. "Providing primary health care through integrated microfinance and health services in Latin America," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 30-37.
    3. Hamid, Syed Abdul & Roberts, Jennifer & Mosley, Paul, 2011. "Evaluating the Health Effects of Micro Health Insurance Placement: Evidence from Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 399-411, March.
    4. DeLoach, Stephen B. & Lamanna, Erika, 2011. "Measuring the Impact of Microfinance on Child Health Outcomes in Indonesia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 1808-1819.
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    Cited by:

    1. Godsway Korku Tetteh, 2023. "Local digital lending development and the incidence of deprivation in Kenya," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 9(1), pages 1-26, December.
    2. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie & Kofi Amanor & Anthony Kofi Osei-Fosu, 2023. "Spatial analysis of the effect of microfinance on poverty and inequality in Ghana," Journal of Social and Economic Development, Springer;Institute for Social and Economic Change, vol. 25(1), pages 196-231, June.
    3. Bhuiya, Mohammad Monzur Morshed & Khanam, Rasheda & Rahman, Mohammad Mafizur & Nghiem, Son, 2019. "Microcredit participation and child schooling in rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 293-301.

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