Factors Affecting Utilization of Midwifery Services in Health Center Three and Four, Kaberamaido district - Uganda

Abstract

Utilization of midwifery services is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcome. This study focuses on determining factors affecting utilization of midwifery services in Kaberamaido H/C IIIs and IV, Kaberamaido District.

The study design used was descriptive cross sectional, sample size was 240 and convenient sampling technique was used. Data was analyzed using statistical programs Microsoft excel software. Majority of the respondents revealed that 60.85% of the mothers are under the age bracket of 15 to 24.

The majority of mothers conceded that their spouses were supportive during antenatal visits accounting for 218(94%). The study showed that 65% of the mothers delivered from the health centre and 138 (57.5%) of the mothers reported to have been attended to by midwives during delivery. Support from the spouses has very big influence on mothers towards utilization of midwifery services.

There is need to increase the knowledge and awareness by the stake holders. Health workers at the maternity care units in the health centres need to equip themselves with good customer care skills so as to impact positively on mothers’ attitude concerning utilization of maternity care services.

The government should ensure that all the necessary equipments are put in place in the maternity unit at all health centres. Transport should be provided at the health centres where mothers can easily get access to in case of labour at home for easy transportation to prevent home deliveries.