Factors Influencing the Uptake of Maternal Health Services in Entonet-lenkisim Ward, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

The uptake of maternal health services remains an urgent problem in Kenya despite the implementation of initiatives to strengthen health service delivery. Maternal health indicators continue to show deteriorating numbers, which is an indication of ineffective health systems leading to poor uptake of maternal health services (MHS). This study set out to investigate the factors influencing the uptake of maternal health services in Kenya, with Entonet-Lenkisim Ward, Kajiado County, as the study case. The study's specific objectives were to establish the influence of cultural beliefs on the uptake of MHS, to determine how physical distance to the health facility influences the uptake of MHS, to examine how the level of education influences the uptake of MHS, and to assess the effect of a regular income on the uptake of MHS. Andersen’s behavioural model theory guided the study. The study adopted a mixed research design, combining qualitative and quantitative research elements to answer the research questions. A study sample of 308 respondents was selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data was collected using survey questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. Data was presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages. The findings showed that cultural beliefs, physical distance to healthcare facilities, level of education, and availability of regular income directly influenced maternal health service uptake. Pregnant women had a low level of awareness of maternal health services, and physical distances to health care facilities affected their uptake of the services. The study recommends a combined effort to address factors such as socioeconomic status, physical distance, education, cultural beliefs, and quality of services. The study also suggested an increased emphasis on implementing programs to reduce financial barriers to ensure more women can access essential MHS without financial constraints.