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

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 immunisation. A positive association between participation in microfinance and other health service uses is also found with weak statistical evidence.