Factors Affecting the Utilization of Maternity Care Services:

Abstract

Utilization of maternal health services is associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. So this study set out to determine the factors affecting the utilization of maternity care services in Apopong Sub-county, Pallisa district.

Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection using a semi- structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using Statistical programme, SPSS version 17 and presented using tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Additional analyses for qualitative data were also done.

Result: All respondents were females, in the age range of 15 to 45 years and mean age of 28.75 (S.D = 0.815). Majority (79.4%) of the respondents were married, (60.8%) had more than three children, 53.6% were Catholics, 61.9% were housewives and 60% travelled over 5 or more kilometers to reach the maternity center for services. Majority (62%) of the respondents delivered from maternity care center and over 60% of the respondents were delivered by midwives or nurses. Majority (97%) knew the importance of delivering from a maternity care center and had their main source of information (57%) from either multiple sources including maternity center or maternity center alone. Mothers perceived utilization of maternity care as very useful (94%), they rated the behavior of health workers as friendly although 25% said midwives are rude and majority (78%) said that they received good treatment at maternity care center. This study also found that women aged between 25 – 34 utilized maternity care services than other age groups. Majority (60%) of the respondents travelled over 5 or more kilometers to reach the maternity center for services. 80% of the respondents lived with their husbands. 96.9% of the respondents knew the importance of delivering from a maternity center. 94% of the respondents perceived maternity care services as being useful and more than half (52%) perceived health workers’ behavior as been friendly although over 26% of mothers perceived the health worker as rude. Mothers also felt that maternity care should be free of charge and that maternity centers should be built in the villages to avoid moving long distances when going for ANC and delivery.

Conclusion: This study revealed that age, parity, and cost of care influence the utilization of maternity services in Apopong Sub County. On the other hand long distance and low education levels were not barriers to utilization of maternity services. The mothers knowledge of the importance of delivering from maternity or health facility and good health workers attitudes towards mothers in the maternity, positively influenced the utilization of maternity care services.

Recommendations: Midwives and doctors in charge of maternal health need to equip themselves with good customer care services skills so that they can positively influence and change pregnant mothers’ attitudes towards health professionals and service delivery.