MST-School of Public Health

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Browsing MST-School of Public Health by Author "Agunga, Chris Duncan"

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    Determinants of Skilled Delivery Services Utilization Among Women of Reproductive Age in Migori County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2019-11) Agunga, Chris Duncan
    Skilled delivery is a key intervention that greatly contributes to improvement of maternal and child health. By extension, skilled delivery is a component of maternal and childcare provided during pregnancy, at delivery and post-delivery. Irrespective of the quality of service provided during pregnancy, delivery process remains a risk and hence needs to be given relevant attention. Global data shows that in developed countries, over 99% of the women access skilled delivery as compared to low accessibility of below 50% in developing countries and 61.8% in Kenya. This study sought to investigate the factors that determine utilization of skilled delivery services among women of reproductive age in Suna-West Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to establish the factors influencing utilization of skilled delivery services among women of reproductive health in Suna West Sub County. Mixed design model was used to assess the views of the study population. Quantitative data was collected through household questionnaires targeting women of reproductive age. Qualitative data, on the other hand, was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews among health service providers, traditional birth attendants and male partners. Independent variables, of the study, were; demographic, economic, socio-cultural, and physical factors; whereas, the dependent variable utilization of skilled delivery services. The analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) software and Ms. Excel (office 2010). Chi Square was used to test the relationships between variables. The findings showed that Suna West Sub-County has a higher rate of skilled delivery (74.6%) as compared to national average 61%. Key factors identified to determine utilization of skilled delivery services were parity, p<0.005, χ2=13; level of education, p<0.005, χ2=27.616 and ANC attendance p<0.00 χ2=30.706; though not statistically significant, distance to health facility, time of operation of the maternity and availability of services were identified to have an influence on type of delivery. In addition, the study found high level of maternal knowledge on risks of pregnancy and negative beliefs on utilization of skilled delivery services. On the other hand, level of household income or partner’s occupation had no significant relationship. The study recommends establishment of policies by the County government to enhance risk assessment and risk-based health education during pregnancy, both at the community and at the antenatal clinics. In addition, there is a need to invest in infrastructure and human resource to ensure the women are able to get the services at any time they visit the health facility.