Aim: This study examines the factors associated with the utilisation of maternal healthcare services by married adolescent women in the age group 15–19.

Subjects and methods: Using the nationally representative cross-sectional data from the fourth wave of Mali Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), 2006, the present study tries to demonstrate the factors associated with the indicators of maternal healthcare service utilisation among women who had the experience of childbirth in their adolescence (age 15–19) during the 5 years preceding the survey date. Three indicators were measured: adolescent women who had at least four antenatal care visits, those who had undergone safe delivery care, and those who had received post natal care after delivery. Bivariate analyses including chi-square tests to determine the difference in proportion, and logistical models to understand the net effect of explanatory variables on selected outcomes were applied.

Results: Results show the poor performance in maternal healthcare utilisation in Mali. Factors such as women’s education, husband’s education, women’s personal barrier index, mass media exposure, place of residence and previous delivery services used appeared to be the most significant factors associated with the utilisation of maternity services by Malian adolescents.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that a strong community based campaign is necessary to raise awareness about the adverse effects of early marriage and childbearing. It is important to tailor programs to meet the unique needs of the varied teen populations and take into consideration how the family environment and relationships influence decision making about sex, contraception and childbearing.