Assessing the Role of Self Help Groups on Utilization of Maternal Health Services Among Women of Reproductive Age 15-49 Years in Kibuku District/

Abstract

Introduction: Self-help groups have a major influence on how women manage health issues, including pregnancy and childbirth. They also provide an important connection between women and health facilities and can help mobilize them to demand better health services. This study objectives therefore were: to assess the influence of demographic characteristics of women on utilization of maternal health services, to assess the influence of socio-cultural roles of Self-help groups on utilization of maternal health services, and to examine the influence of health facility roles of Self-help groups on utilization of maternal health services among women of reproductive age (15-49) years in Kibuku District. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at assessing the role of Self-help groups on utilization of maternal health services among women of reproductive age (15-49) years in Kibuku District. The study collected Primary data from 368 women (15-49 years) who had come for antenatal care and those bringing their babies born at last delivery to the primary health care centers. The study adopted descriptive and statistical approaches in processing data and Special Program for Social Scientist (SPSS) was employed in data analysis. Results: The results of this study were in agreement with several writers. The findings implied that education level of mothers (P value=0.002) had a great impact on influencing the utilization of maternal health services. Religion (P value=0.010), who pays for antenatal care (0.009), having health facility births (0.000), women taking their children for immunization (0.002), women preferring the health facility delivery (P value=0.000) and women practicing the family planning (P value=0.000) were found statistically significant roles of SHGs in influencing the utilization maternal health in Kibuku District.

Conclusion: The outcome of the study provided insight on the influencing roles and barriers leading to coverage of maternal health services in Kibuku district. I recommended that, SHGs should be recognized and supported in their crucial role of social mobilization towards the perfection of public health and precisely to improve on utilization maternal health services in Kibuku district.