Factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant mothers in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja District
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Date
2018-07
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
Utilization of antenatal care by pregnant mothers is important in improving maternal and neonatal health and survival. However, in Uganda, although over 90% of mothers utilize the services, only 17% initiate it at the appropriate time. The study was conducted to assess the factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant mothers in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study design employing quantitative methods of data collection was used to collect data from 200 pregnant mothers who were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected through the use of pretested questionnaire and is presented in tables, figures with frequencies and explanatory remarks. According to the study findings the maternal related factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant mothers were age, marital status, educational level, whether the pregnancy was planned, knowledge of antenatal care and decision making power. Regarding the socio-economic factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant mothers, number of dependents, partners support and educational level, occupation, and ability to afford transport costs were mentioned. About the health related factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant mothers, waiting time, yelling and shouting at mothers, perceptions towards health workers, perceived quality of antenatal care and being advised by health workers to seek antenatal care. In conclusion, the major factors found to be affecting utilization of antenatal care services were maternal age, educational level, partner support, occupation, waiting time and perceptions towards health workers. Therefore, there is need for health workers to encourage male involvement in antenatal care while providing timely quality services to pregnant women in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Kampala International University
Keywords
Antenatal care services, Pregnant mothers, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital