Utilization of obstetric care services: A case study of Soroti Municipality in Uganda

Abstract

The study was conducted in Soroti district in Uganda. The main focus of the study was on obstetrics as a component of maternal health. Obstetric complications are the leading cause of death for women in the reproductive age group 15-49 years, as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. The study looked at four major technical interventions useful in improving maternal health outcomes, namely: Emergency obstetric care (EmOC), skilled attendance, antenatal care and family planning. The objective of the study was to assess the level of utilization of obstetric care services in improving maternal and child health in Soroti Municipality. A total of 247 clients were interviewed, and 7 health care providers were given a separate structured questionnaire. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and the criteria for eligibility were those clients attending ANC and those in the maternity section. Exit interviews were used to get the necessary information from the clients. Methods used for data analysis included univariate, and bivariate analyses. The study findings indicated that there was generally low utilization of obstetric care services as a result of low availability of the services. Factors that contributed to low utilization included: waiting time at health facility, distance to the nearest health facility as many (36.4%) of the clients moved for more than 5 kms, cost of services, lack of husband's support and the low staffing levels. Staffing levels can be improved by recruiting more qualified health care providers, providing free timely obstetric services to every mother who is in need of them, build more health facilities that offer obstetric care services and provide health education to women so that they are able to make their own decisions especially about their health, and the health care providers. The health care providers must substantially help to build a more pronounced positive attitude towards the clients.