Cultural beliefs influencing access to maternal healthcare services in East Pokot Pastoral communities, Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the cultural beliefs influencing access to maternal healthcare in East Pokot Pastoral Communities, Baringo County, Kenya. The study was founded on the choice-making model and the theory of access. The research methodology was directed by the descriptive survey design. The target population was 5720 women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 years and their partners, community leaders, government health facilities administrators, traditional birth attendants and community health workers from the pastoralist communities in East Pokot in Baringo County, Kenya. A stratified purposive sampling technique included stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to sample 146 participants. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews. Using the Nvivo software, the data were coded and tracked and the findings were presented using narratives with quotations. The study found that the cultural beliefs that the community members held at times barred the women from accessing maternal healthcare services in the East Pokot sub-county.