Factors Influencing Maternal Health Service Utilization among Pregnant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Western Uganda

Tusiime Aggrey Tumuhairwe

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western Campus, Uganda.

ABSTRACT

Maternal health services (MHS) play a critical role in preventing maternal health-related complications and reducing mortality rates globally. However, despite concerted efforts to improve access to and utilization of these services, many pregnant women, particularly in low-resource settings, continue to face challenges in accessing adequate care. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to identify the factors influencing maternal health service utilization among pregnant mothers attending Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV in the Bushenyi district of Western Uganda. A total of 113 pregnant mothers seeking maternal health care services at Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV were recruited for the study using Fischer’s method for sample size determination. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and cross-tabulations, were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that only 46.0% of pregnant women had good maternal health service utilization, indicating a significant gap in access to and utilization of essential services. Age, education, and occupation were identified as significant demographic factors influencing maternal health service utilization. Specifically, younger mothers aged 18–30 years and those with post-primary education were more likely to utilize maternal health services effectively. Social and cultural factors, such as decision-making autonomy and spousal support, also played crucial roles in determining maternal health service utilization. Mothers who made decisions themselves and those accompanied by their husbands were more likely to seek and utilize maternal health services adequately. Furthermore, health-related factors, including proximity to health facilities and the affordability of services, significantly influenced maternal health service utilization. Mothers living within a distance of less than 2 km from health facilities and those who perceived the cost of services as manageable were more likely to utilize maternal health services effectively. In conclusion, this study underscores the multifaceted nature of factors influencing maternal health service utilization among pregnant mothers in Western Uganda. Addressing these factors, including improving education, enhancing decision-making autonomy, promoting spousal support, and ensuring affordability and accessibility of services, is crucial for enhancing maternal health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality rates in the region. Policy interventions, community outreach programs, and health system strengthening efforts are warranted to address these challenges comprehensively and improve maternal health service utilization rates in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Maternal health services, Utilization, Pregnant women, Factors, Western Uganda, Maternal mortality

CITE AS: Tusiime Aggrey Tumuhairwe (2024). Factors Influencing Maternal Health Service Utilization among Pregnant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Western Uganda. IAA Journal of Biological Sciences 12(2):11-18. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJB/2024/122.111811