Introduction:

Maternal mortality is the death of mothers from sources related to pregnancy or within 42 days rnof pregnancy while Maternal Mortality Ratio MMR is sum of deaths of mothers per 100000 rnlive births WHO 2019. Globally about 295000 deaths of mothers were recorded in 2017 rnwith developing countries accounting for 94 of the mortalities WHO 2019. Every day rnabout 810 women succumb in the course of pregnancy and birthing. The biggest burden rests rnin Asia and Africa at 86. In Sub-Saharan Africa SSA alone approximately 196000 twornthirds maternal deaths were reported in 2017 WHO 2019. rnMost causes of MMRs are preventable through avoiding delays of the 3Ds Model decision on rnseeking care accessing care and getting appropriate care UNFPA 2018. These delay effects rnare more significant especially among populations in remote and hard to reach areas. The main rncauses may include abortion hemorrhage obstructed labor hypertensive disorders sepsis and rnectopic pregnancy Tessema 2017. The main risk factors maternal mortalities around the rnworld include teenage pregnancy short inter-birth intervals home deliveries unskilled birth rnattendance among others

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to determine the rnproportion of reproductive age women utilizing rnmobile maternal health services in Makueni County.

Methodology:

An analytical cross-sectional study rnwas carried out in Makueni County. Kibwezi East rnand Kaiti Sub-Counties were purposively selected. rnUkia ward from Kaiti sub-county and Nzambani rnward from Kibwezi East sub-county were randomly rnselected using folded pieces of paper. Both rnqualitative and quantitative data were collected. rnQuestionnaires were the tools used for quantitative rndata while guides for key informant were used to rncollect data qualitatively. The study systematically rnsampled 367 women of reproductive age as primary rnrespondents from households at a sampling interval rnof 5. Twelve Key Informant Interviewees were rnpurposively selected to provide additional rnqualitative data which were community health rnextension workers and healthcare providers. The rnresearch instruments were pretested at Kilome rnSub County before actual data collection. Analytical rncorrectional statistical analysis was done using the rnStatistical Package for Social Sciences software rnversion 20.0. Pie-charts frequency tables and graphs rnwere used to present data. Triangulation of data rncollected qualitatively with quantitative data was rndone and presented as direct quotes.

Findings:

The study found out that 40.6 of rnrespondents utilized mobile maternal health services rnin Makueni County. The most common service rnsought was antenatal care. Distance from health rnfacilities was the main reason for using mobile rnmaternal health services. However the main reason rnfor non-use was preference for hospitals among rnrespondents.

Results:

Conclusion:

In conclusion four out of ten women utilized mobile maternal health services in Makueni rnCounty. The most common service sought was antenatal care. The main reason MMHS rnutilization was due to distant healthcare facilities in the study sites. However the main reason rnfor non-use was preference for hospitals among respondents.

Author(s):

Focus County(s):

Makueni County

Programme Area(s):

Sexual, Reproductive, Adolescent & Child Health

Research Priority Area(s):

Disease Domain(s):

maternal Health

Publication Date: 01.Dec.2023

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