Utilization Of Skilled Birth Attendants Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Central District, Kitui County

ABSTRACT

Skilled Birth Attendance is one of the most important interventions in reducing maternal mortality. With only 44% of deliveries assisted by skilled birth attendants in Kenya, the number of maternal deaths is significantly higher. The aim of this study was to identify factors determining utilization of skilled birth attendants in Central Division of Kitui North District. The specific objectives were to determine the proportion of Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) utilizing Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs), to assess the socio-cultural factors influencing utilization of skilled birth attendants and to establish the barriers to utilization of skilled birth attendants by women of reproductive age in Central Division. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches targeting women of reproductive age group15-49 years. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire and focused group discussions for the child bearing age respondents who had delivered within the last one year preceding the study and interview guide for key informants. Chi-square was used to test the association between the research variables and odds ratio for the relationship between the dependent and independent variables under study. Data was analyzed using STATA 10.0 and presented in figures, tables, frequencies and numerations. The results showed antenatal attendance rate of 90.9% while proportion of deliveries attended by skilled attendant was at 41.4%. The following factors were found to influence utilization of SBAs in the study area: age (χ2=8.65(df=2), p=0.013), religion (OR 3.22, p=0.004), level of education (OR 2.43, p=0.05), partner’s occupation (OR 0.533, p=0.029), parity (OR 0.26, p=0.002), residence (OR 4.07, p