| dc.description.abstract | The proportion of births assisted by skilled birth attendants in Kenya is 44% while in
Kajiado Central Sub County is 28%. Maternal mortality in Kenya is estimated to be 488
per 100,000 live births. This worrying trend of maternal mortality is thought to be a
result of using unskilled attendants at birth. This study sought to determine the factors
that influenced utilization of skilled birth attendants among women of reproductive age
in Central division, Kajiado County. The objectives of the study were to: determine
demographic characteristics, socio-cultural factors, economic factors as well as
institutional characteristics that influenced utilization of skilled birth attendants among
women of reproductive age in Central Division. A cross sectional descriptive study
design was used. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection
techniques. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant
interviews and focused group discussions. A total of 324 out of a sample population of
332 women of reproductive age who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the
study using systematic sampling of households. Informed consent was obtained from
respondents. The respondents were assured of privacy and confidentiality. Quantitative
data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 while qualitative data was organized and
analyzed thematically. Hypothesis testing was done using Chi-square test. A p-value of
<0.05 was considered significant. The study findings show a low level of utilization of
skilled birth attendants (42%) among women of reproductive age in Central Division.
The main determinants of utilization of SBAs were residence OR=0.038 (0.020-0.074),
p<0.001, parity OR = 0.219 (0.118-0.405), p<0.001, births in past five years OR =
0.336 (0.204-0.767), p< 0.001, occupation OR = 0.383 (0.138-1.064), p=0.002 and cost
of delivery OR=0.546(0.166-1.799). Others were husband‟s occupation OR=1.848
(0.991-3.446), p=0.001, monthly income OR=4.593 (2.296-9.190), p<0.001, husband‟s
education OR=4.992 (2.285-10.907), p<0.001 and respondent‟s education OR= 6.703
(3.473-12.937), p<0.001.The study recommends that local leaders should encourage
universal education of the girl child; MOH needs to carry out behavior change
communication at individual and community levels to address socio-cultural practices
that are barriers to the uptake of SBA services; county government to improve
infrastructure especially in remote areas that are hard to reach; need to improve
economic status of women to empower them economically; health care interventions to
put emphasis on access and availability of services especially in rural areas and finally
the MOH should provide mobile health care services and outreaches to remote villages
and those difficult to reach. | en_US |
