Abstract
Free maternal health care services in Kenya was introduced on 1st June, 2013 and has increased the number of skilled deliveries significantly. In this paper an attempt is made to examine the factors associated with the utilization of free maternal health care services in Kenya on the basis of data collected from Machakos Level 5 hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques; purposive sampling and stratified sampling techniques, a sample of 398 participants who received free maternal services at Machakos level 5 were recruited. A survey questionnaire and interview schedule were administered to women who had delivered in the hospital and interview scheduled was administered to health workers. The findings of the study showed that there is a recognizable relationship between hospital infrastructure and implementation of free maternity services in public hospitals. The study established that there is a positive and significant relationship between patient level of awareness and utilization of free maternal healthcare services. Awareness was sighted as a major structural variable that could influence decision of women to deliver in public hospitals, such knowledge should highlight on requirement and various point of service delivery all of which determined to a great extent the quality of free maternal health services in Kenya.
Highlights
Over the last two decades, there have been investments in public health system in Kenya with the emphasis on providing maternal healthcare services and at the same time encouraging women to deliver under supervision of skilled healthcare professionals
This study revealed that majority of the respondents hard about free maternal healthcare services during political campaign and while attending to antenatal clinic in public hospitals
The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between hospital infrastructure and implementation of free maternal healthcare services in Kenya
Summary
Over the last two decades, there have been investments in public health system in Kenya with the emphasis on providing maternal healthcare services and at the same time encouraging women to deliver under supervision of skilled healthcare professionals. Attending antenatal clinics and skilled personnel is significance in relation to maternal mortality and morbidity, utilization of maternal healthcare services is highly associated with improved maternal health outcomes [2]. Reduction of the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in places where general health status of a woman is poor effective use of maternal healthcare services is crucial [2, 3]. Reducing maternal mortality has seen the government and the international agencies promote maternal healthcare services.
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