A Household Health Survey was conducted in 7 provinces, in the period of August 1985 through May 1986. One of its objectives was to investigate the utilization of maternal health care services and the maternal health status. Data were collected retrospectively concerning mortality and the utilization of health services. The coverage of antenatal health care was 48.7% of current pregnant women, and .62.9% of delivering mothers. Among delivering mothers,"34.2% at least ever had 4 visits for antenatal care. Health centers were more frequently visited for antenatal care, covering 58.7% of all antenatal care visits. However, 84.7% delivering mothers preferred to give birth at home, among which 69.2% were assisted by traditional birth attendants. Completed tetanus immunization was provided to 50.3% of delivering mothers who had at least 3 antenatal care visits during their pregnancy periods. Anaemia was found in 73.7% of pregnant women, out of which 4.0% had severe anaemia. Maternal mortality associated with obstetric causes was 450 per 100,000 live births, which is high in comparison with other ASEAN countries. To overcome maternal health problems, the coverage and quality of antenatal care and delivery assistance should be improved, especially for early detection of high risk pregnancies, who would have to be referred to more qualified medical assistance for treatment as well as delivery. Distribution of maternal health care services should be made easily accessible and acceptable by the community.
