Psychosocial Determinants of Expectant Mothers’ uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in the City of Parakou in 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Health Authorities have been concerned about expectant mothers' low uptake of maternity services, despite the efforts made by the State to ensure "access to sexual and reproductive health services including family planning (SDG 3.7). The purpose of this study is to find out the psychosocial determinants associated with expectant mothers' low uptake of maternity services in the city of Parakou in the year 2017. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection from 20th January to 20th March 2017, conducted in the maternal immunization department within the maternal and child health Training and Research Unit (TRU) of Borgou-Alibori Teaching Hospital (CHUD/B-A) located in the city of Parakou. Comprehensive sampling method was used, while data collection was conducted through a pre-tested questionnaire. Results: The 273 nursing mothers included in the study were aged between 15 and 43 years, with the mean age estimated at 28.8 ± 5.95 years. 20-29 years age group was the most represented (58.85%). The proportions of women under 20 and 30 years and above were respectively 11.72% and 34.43%. In addition, married mothers accounted for 48.72% while single mothers represented 8.06%. The proportion of those who attained secondary education level was 28.05%. Those who lived within 5-15 km from the maternity ward were 86.81% compared to those residing beyond 15 km (8.06%). 16.85% of women gave birth in a private hospital against 83.15% in public health facilities. The monthly income earned by 9.16% was below CFA 40,000 compared to 32.60% who earned more than CFA 100,000 as monthly income. 35% of the women declared to have experienced poor hospitality or faced unhelpful attitudes in the health facilities. Below are some factors that actually affected women's behaviors regarding care services: • Hospitality: age, marital status, gravidity, • Prenatal care: public/private birthing center, geographic accessibility, economic income, quality of antenatal visit, desire for pregnancy, spouse behavior towards pregnancy, quality of obstetric care. • Quality of medical assistance: educational level, gravidity, parity and previous caesarean section were not associated with the quality of medical assistance. Conclusion: Future studies will focus on the fear impact on pregnancy outcome regarding expectant mothers' uptake of maternal and child health services.