TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION
APPROVAL ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEGEMENT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
ABSTRACT vii
CHAPTER ONE 1
INTRODUCTION 1
1,0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background to the study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 4
1.5 Research questions 5
1.6 Scope of the study 5
1.6.1 Geographical scope~ 5
1.6.2 Content scope~ 5
1.6.3 Time scope 6
1.7 Significance of the study 6
CHAPTER TWO 7
LITERATURE REVIEW 7
2.0 Introduction 7
2.1 Conceptual framework 7
2.2 Factors affecting maternal health 8
2.3 Causes of increased maternal deaths in Mponde Ihubiriha Sub county 10
2.4 Ways of improving maternal health 15
CHAPTER THREE 17
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 17
3.0 Introduction 17
3.1 Research design 17
3.2 Area and population of study 17
3.2.1 Study Population 17
V
3.3. Sample Size& Sample Design .17
3.4 Data Collection Methods 18
3.5 Data Validity and Reliability 19
3.6 Data Analysis and Presentation 19
3.7 Ethical Considerations 19
3.8 Study Limitations 20
CHAPTER FOUR 21
PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION 21
4.0 Introduction 21
4.2. Background information of respondents 21
4.2. Factors affecting utilization of maternal health care services in Mponderubiriha subcounty , Kasese district 23
4.2.1 Availability of health facilities 24
4.2.2 Age 24
4.2.3 Level of income 24
4.2.4 Support from the spouse 25
4.2.5 Position of a woman at work place 25
4.3 Causes of increased maternal deaths in Mpownde Ihubiriha sub-county 25
CHAPTER FIVE 29
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 29
5.1 Introduction 29
5.2. Summary 29
5.3. Conclusion 30
5.4. Recommendations 30
References 32
APPENDIX 1 35
APPENIX 2: INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR KEY INFORMANTS 38
ABSTRACT This study sought to examine the factors affecting utilization of maternal health in Mpondwe Ihubiriha sub county, Kasese District. The study was guided by three specific objectives which included; to find out the factors affecting the utilisation of maternal health care services in Mpownde Ihubiriha Sub county to examine the causes of increased maternal deaths in Mpownde Ihubiriha Sub county and to come up with possible ways of improving maternal health in Mpownde Ihubiriha sub county. The study used descriptive design which was explanatory in nature and it was based on quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 40 respondents was used for data collection. The data instruments used were the questionnaires, observation and interviews. The findings revealed that income levels, availability and accessibility of health facilities is a very important factor affecting utilization of maternal health care services. Others factors included having a supportive spouse and the position of a woman at work place. On causes of increased maternal deaths, the study revealed that teenage pregnancy, poor nutrition, chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDs, Cancer, etc, are the major causes of increased maternal deaths in Mpownde Ihubiriha sub-county. The results suggested that if education and literacy levels of women is improved, maternal mortality can as well be reduced. Reducing workload for pregnant mothers, provision of free antenantal and prenatal care as well as embracing the problems of poverty were suggested as mitigation measures to maternal deaths.
