Factors Hindering Utilization of Maternal Health Services Among Pregnant women in Kapkatet Subcounty Hospital

Abstract

Utilization of maternal health services is crucial to reducing maternal mortality rates and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite notable progress in recent years, many pregnant women, especially in developing countries, still do not receive sufficient maternal health care. Pregnancy and childbirth contribute to low life expectancy of women and it constitutes a significant threat to mother and child survival. Low utilization of maternal health services is a significant problem because it can lead to poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The study aimed to establish factors in the utilization of maternal health care services among pregnant women in Kapkatet sub-county hospital. This research employed a cross- sectional design. The study was conducted in Kapkatet sub-county hospital, in Kericho County, Kenya. The study targeted 119 pregnant women between the ages of 15-49 years visiting Kapkatet sub-county hospital. Structured questionnaires were adopted to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the study variables. All ethical guidelines were adhered to. The researchers sought for approval and permission from the research review and ethics committee (IREC) of the University of Kabianga, approval number ISERC/2023/0012. Study participants’ confidentiality and privacy was ensured throughout the study. Participation was voluntary and all respondents were informed of benefits of the study, while seeking for their consent. Majority of the respondents, 47%, delivered at public hospital in their last delivery,followed by 35% who delivered at private hospital, 12% delivered at home while the least delivered Traditional birth assistant/attendant. Distance from health facility and time to reach the nearest health facility were statistically associated with utilization of maternal health services. Majority of the respondents, 42.7%, reported to have has at least visited antenatal clinic in their last pregnancy four times, followed by those who visited twice (16.4%), thrice (14.5%), once (10.9%), over four times (9.1%) while the least were those who had never visited, 6.9%). Cultural factors have significant impact on utilization of maternal health services. Strategies should focus on improving the accessibility of services by addressing distance and transportation challenges, reducing financial barriers, and promoting culturally sensitive approaches that empower women, respect their choices, and engage communities in supporting maternal health.