Utilization of Maternal Health Services: A Case Study of South Sudan Juba Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal health service (MHS) is a set of services related to maternity health care. These health services cause a serious concern worldwide. Furthermore, MHS incorporates antenatal care, delivery care and postnatal health service. The aim of this study was to assess Mother-to-Child utilization for MHS at Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH) South Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional research study was done among 207 women of reproductive age at the time of visits to routine immunization services for receiving free under-five immunization. The interviewers gathered data using the structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics v20. The frequency tables were for describing data and chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine whether there was statistical association of sociodemographic factors with MHS. Results: Of 207 mothers, 188 (91%) utilized the maternal health. Nearly 20% did not give birth at health facility. Furthermore, there was a significant association of education attainment with place of delivery [OR at 95%CI = 3.06 (1.40 – 6.71), p-value = 0.005] Conclusion: Maternal healthcare services were highly utilized as compared to others in the regions. Moreover, the Level of formal education found to be associated with effective maternity care. An estimated of 20% from women reported delivered at non-health facilities. Therefore, the study recommended specific attention to non-compliance mothers through reinforcement of active health education on safe reproductive and maternal childcare.