Factors Associated with Choice of Place of Delivery and What Motivates Mothers to OPT for TBA Care in West Pokot County- Kenya

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.07.03.Art022

Authors : Ezekiel Sirya

Abstract:

Background: Skilled birth attendance in Kenya declined from 50% in 1988 to 42% in 2003, remained the same by 2008/9 increased to 62% by 2014. By 2008/09, only 43% of births took place at HFs by SBAs while 58% occurred at home. Socio-demographic factors could be attributed to this.

Objective: To determine factors influencing mothers’ choice of place of delivery and motivating them to opt for TBA care.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 375 women. Both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from semi-structured questionnaires and FGDs/KIIs respectively. Statistical techniques; analysis using (SPSS V.20). p<0.05 significant.

Results: Majority 340 (90.7%) delivered at home. Education (p<0.001) and religion (p<0.003) were significant predictors. Secondary level education 1.6 times more likely to choose HF delivery. Catholics 4 times and protestants 6 times more likely to deliver at HF compared to non-believers (OR; 95% CI: 3.618(0.715-18.305) and 6.162(1.401-27.102). Socio-cultural beliefs and practices were main impediment to HF delivery.

Conclusion: HF delivery found to be low (9.3%) compared 61% national. Level of education and religion impact positively HF delivery whereas socio-cultural beliefs and practices, lack of transport and availability of TBAs main bottlenecks.

Recommendation: A comprehensive program on safe motherhood by RH actors to be designed focusing on TBAs and socio-cultural beliefs and practices.

Keywords: Place of delivery, skilled birth attendance, socio-cultural beliefs.

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