DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT MALANGALA HEALTH CENTER III, MITYANA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Scovia  Nandegeya; Donatus Kimera

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.212

Authors

Scovia Nandegeya School of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.
Donatus Kimera School of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.212

Keywords:

Health Seeking Behavior, Pregnant Women, Malangala Health Center III

Abstract

Background

A study was carried out to identify the determinants of health-seeking behaviors among pregnant mothers attending Antenatal Care at Malangala Health Center III, Mityana District.

Methodology:

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional and it employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A sample size of 30 respondents was selected using a convenience sampling procedure. An interview guide was used to collect data.

Results:

20 (67%) did not receive adequate support and encouragement from their husband/partner to ensure access to health care services, 18 (60%) had never been health educated about home treatment for illnesses, 12 (40%) respondents resided 4 – 5 km away from Malangala Health Center III and 12 (40%) respondents spent between 5000 – 10,000shs on transport to the health facility. 20 (67%) reported that health workers had bad behavior towards patients as they were rude and not welcoming, 20 (67%) reported that health workers had negative attitudes during the provision of ANC services to mothers, 10 (33.3%) reported rude and unwelcoming health workers, as well as 8 (26.7%), reported inefficient and slow health staff.

12 (40%) respondents rated the quality of medical care received the last time they used the health care services as very good, 11 (36.7%) spent 30 minutes to 1 hour, 8 (26.7%) spent more than 4 hours, 18 (60%) reported that Malangala Health Center III is not accessible from their homes, 12 (40%) were sometimes able to get all the required services and medication.

Conclusion:

Respondents faced various socio-economic, health worker, and health facility determinants of health-seeking behaviors among pregnant mothers attending ANC services.

Recommendations:

Including improving efficiency and reducing waiting time, improving customer care, more support, and health education about ANC among others.

Author Biographies

Scovia Nandegeya , School of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.

Student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.
Donatus Kimera, School of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.

Is a tutor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Micheal Lubaga Hospital Training Schools.