Factors influencing choice of delivery sites in Rakai district of Uganda

ABSTRACT

In order to understand factors influencing choice of delivery sites in Rakai district of south-western Uganda; eight focus group discussions based on the Attitudes-social influence-Self efficacy model were held with 32 women and 32 men. Semi-structured interviews were also held with 211 women from 21 random cluster samples who had a delivery in the previous 12 months (from 2 June 1997). forty four percent of the sample delivered at home; 17at traditional birth attendant's (TBA) place; 32at public health units; and 7at private clinics. among the factors influencing choice of delivery site were access to maternity services; social influence from the spouse; other relatives; TBAs and health workers; self-efficacy; habit (previous experience) and the concept of normal versus abnormal pregnancy. Attitudinal beliefs towards various delivery sites were well understood and articulated. Attendance of ante-natal care may discourage delivery in health units if the mothers are told that the pregnancy is normal. In order to make delivery safer; there is need to improve access to maternity services; train TBAs and equip them with delivery kits; change mother's self-efficacy beliefs; and involve spouses in education about safe delivery