Assessing factors affecting maternal health services among rural women in Uganda

Abstract

Studies about maternal health in Uganda point out that the maternal health of rural women constitutes 80% and there is still a gap in accessing maternal health services. This study assessed factors affecting maternal health services in government health facilities in Uganda taking Kabwohe Health Centre IV, in Sheema district as a case study. Specifically, the study examined how social, economic and cultural factors among rural women influence accessibility to maternal health services, the obstacles leading to constant increase of maternal issues among health workers sought possible solutions to the problems. The study adopted a predominantly qualitative approach adopted a study used a Case study design of Kabwohe Health Center IV. Data was collected from 80 respondents using interview and semi structured questionnaires methods. Data was analysed thematically using themes and sub-themes. The study revealed that factors such as poor transport facilities, lack of health equipment, beliefs and insufficient quality of staff that hinders the delivery of maternal health service at Kabwohe health centre IV. The study recommended that government and stake holders ensure recruitment and training of more health workers, improve on the transport systems and generally equip the health facilities in order to uplift the health services so that maternal health services are greatly implemented. Alternative ambulance services (motorcycles) should be placed at lower health centres to ferry women that need to access health centres for maternal health services. Vigorous awareness and sensitisation meetings on rights and responsibilities should be considered for both men and women to demand for their rights knowing what services they expect from government facilities.