Factors affecting utilisation of delivery services in the health units of Uganda: a case study of central region

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to find out the factors that affect the utilisation of delivery services at the health units in Uganda. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the differences in the utilisation of delivery services at the health units as well the effect of distance on the utilisation of delivery services at the health units. The study also aimed at assessing the impact of marital status on the utilisation of the delivery services at the health units and to identify the effect of education on the utilisation of delivery services in the health units. The study used raw data of the End Evaluation and the Baseline Study Survey for the Fifth and Sixth Country Program collected by UNFPA in all regions of Uganda which were: Eastern, Western, Northern and Central.

Binary logistic regression model was used to establish the factors affecting the utilisation of delivery services at health units. These included age, education and distance to the health unit. Occupation and income of respondents, however, were not significantly related to the utilisation of delivery services. The use of traditional birth attendants reflect a likelihood of occurrence of maternal complications that may lead to death. Self supervision unless addressed has far reaching consequences as women risk their life by increasing the likelihood of maternal complications that may lead to maternal death. It was recommended that more sensitisation programmes are needed to awaken mothers about the dangers associated with traditional methods of birth which may increase in case of maternal complications due to lack of Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) services. Programme targeting young mothers should be encouraged while strengthening existing ones. Programmes aimed at delaying early sexual debut should be availed to avert risks of early pregnancy as well as bringing services near to the people especially the poor rural communities.