Utilization of maternal care in upper Egypt [user factors]

ABSTRACT

This study is a community based study conducted in Assiut city and three surrounding villages. 8656 pregnant women were identified in 1987 were followed until delivery or the end of pregnancy. One of the goals of this study was to evaluate the utilization of health services during pregnancy and labour and to know their determinants. The study showed that there are under utilization of maternal care [both prenatal and childbirth]; 31.9% used prenatal care and 31.6% used childbirth care. Logistic regression analysis of user's characteristics showed that women living in Assiut city, being in the age group 20-39 years, having moderate to high socioeconomic level, educated and employed, were associated with increased use of maternal care. Bad previous obstetric experience and the presence of significant complications in current pregnancy were significantly influencing the use of pre-natal care. Better understanding of characteristics of users of maternal care and determinants of utilization will help in improving and extending the utilization of health services to every pregnant woman. And ultimately will help reducing maternal mortality and morbidity