Factors influencing maternal health care in Nepal: The role of socioeconomic interaction

This paper relies on an extensive data set on Nepalese families to examine factors influencing the extent to which maternal health care is provided. A number of hypotheses are examined: Do social networks that evolve to support market exchange allow for the dissemination of knowledge concerning the effectiveness of maternal care? Do social norms regarding maternal care have a significant influence on decisions to seek such care? Do educational spillover effects play an important role in decision-making concerning maternal health care? Does gender preference influence the extent to which a family supports health care for expectant mothers? Finally, are women who are perceived as more independent likely to choose additional care?