Utilization of Mobile Maternal Health Services among Women of Reproductive Age in Makueni County, Kenya
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Date
2024-02
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Mobile maternal health is a way of resolving challenges that are of public health
concern while shifting the pattern of accessing care and provision to rural areas hence
improving maternal and child outcomes. The health of women depicts the economic
growth and a country’s well-being. Despite this, it is worrying that approximately
295,000 mothers died in 2017 with impoverished countries accounting for 94%.
About 66% of those deaths occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Maternal mortality rate in
Kenya is 362 per 100,000 live births. The Kenyan Government has put in place several
interventions to address this including mobile maternal health services. This research
sought to evaluate mobile maternal health service use among women within
reproductive age in Makueni County, Kenya. An analytical cross-sectional study was
carried out in Makueni County. Kibwezi East and Kaiti Sub-Counties were
purposively selected. Ukia ward from Kaiti sub-county and Nzambani ward from
Kibwezi East sub-county were randomly selected using folded pieces of paper. Both
qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Questionnaires were the tools used
for quantitative data while guides for key informant were used to collect data
qualitatively. The study systematically sampled 367 women of reproductive age as
primary respondents from households at a sampling interval of 5. Twelve Key
Informant Interviewees were purposively selected to provide additional qualitative
data which were community health extension workers and healthcare providers. The
research instruments were pretested at Kilome Sub County before actual data
collection. Analytical correctional statistical analysis was done using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences software version 20.0. Pie-charts, frequency tables and
graphs were used to present data. Triangulation of data collected qualitatively with
quantitative data was done and presented as direct quotes. Tests of Chi-Square were
done at 95% CI and an error of precision of 0.05 to calculate inferential statistics
showing variable associations. Ethical considerations were taken into account and
informed consent acquired from participants. The study concludes that 40.6% of
respondents utilized mobile maternal health services in Makueni County. The most
common service sought was antenatal care. Distance from health facilities was the
main reason for using mobile maternal health services. Majority of individual factors
such as average family income (p=0.001), parity (p=0.019), type of pregnancy related
complication experienced (p=0.027) and awareness (p=0.006) influenced use of
mobile maternal health services. About 59.9% of respondents had a positive attitude
towards mobile maternal health services and attitude (p=0.010) significantly affected
mobile maternal health service use. Further, the study concludes that most health
system factors including facility distance (p=0.001), source of information (p=0.012),
waiting time (p=0.004), affordability (p=0.013) and experience with healthcare
providers (p=0.023) played a key role in influencing utilization mobile maternal
health services. These results would inform policy makers to craft interventions
seeking to advance mobile maternal health services utilization. This would further
avoid preventable complications thus improving maternal and health outcomes of
children in the country.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Master of Public Health (Reproductive Health) in the School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University February, 2024
Supervisors:
1. . Sarah Tai
2. Rosebella Kipkalom