Home Deliveries in Rural and Urban Districts in Kenya

Abstract

Home deliveries is common in developing countries Kenya included where mothers are assisted by Traditional Birth Attendant during delivery. Most birth which occur at home can result in complications which cannot be handled in the absence of qualified health personel and a health facility. To reduce maternal mortality its important that mothers deliver in a hospital with qualified health personnel. Objective: The study aimed at establishing the factors that contribute to home deliveries in both rural and urban Districts in Kenya. Methodology: A cross sectional study design was preferred. A sample of four hundred postnatal mothers in Rural and Urban hospital attending maternal child health clinics were selected for the study. Eligibility was mothers who had delivered at home within one year prior to the study. Focus group discussion guides were used to collect data. Data was analyzed by correspondence and thematic analysis and presented in figures and summary narratives. Results: Most mothers in rural area delivered at home compared to urban 119 Mothers delivered at home in rural while only 47 did so in rural area. This is associated with lack of money and transport. Home deliveries are preferred because they are cheap, no cost of travelling, TBA have a positive attitude and use polite language, there is one to one care so chances of self-delivery do not arise and mothers are in familiar environment. Conclusion: Home deliveries are still common in Kenya despite availability of health services. Recommendation: Health worker should improve during delivery on the care they give to the mother irrespective of their socio-economic status