Socioeconomic Determinants Of Maternal Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour In The Informal Settlements Of Nairobi, Kenya: The Case Of Korogocho Slums, Nairobi

Abstract

Maternal morbidity is a grave global concern because of its devastating effects on the life of a woman and society at large. Millions of women experience maternal morbidity every year, yet most cases of maternal morbidity can be prevented or treated by good maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour (MHsB). Despite the fact that the government of Kenya has taken several steps to make it easier for all women to access MHS, studies show that MHsB continues to be poor among rural communities and the urban poor, resulting in adverse maternal health indicators in these areas. In view of the aforementioned, this study sought to investigate the socioeconomic determinants of MHsB in Korogocho. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of educational attainment, income and occupation on MHsB in the study area. The main respondents were 512 women who delivered in the 12 months preceding data collection. The respondents were selected through the stratified random sampling method, from sampling frames generated with the help of village elders. Forty-six healthcare practitioners, comprising of doctors, clinical officers, general nurses, and midwives were purposively selected from health facilities in the study area. Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) TBAs were selected through the snowball method. Data was collected from main respondents using questionnaires and focus group discussions, and from key informants through in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics were applied to present the characteristics of the respondents, which have been displayed in frequency tables and charts. Inferential statistics have been used to determine the association between sociodemographic determinants and status of women and MHsB. The study revealed that there is a strong and positive association was also established between educational attainment, income, and occupation and MHsB. The study recommends that the Kenyan national, and Nairobi County governments put in place measures to improve equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources in order to improve MHsB, and maternal health outcomes.