title: Utilization of maternal health services offered by the Health Insurance Organization in Alexandria.
abstract: This study examines the extent of utilization of maternal health services (MHS) currently offered by Health Insurance Organization (HIO) in Alexandria. A total of 1040 insured married females working in primary, preparatory and secondary schools in three educational regions in Alexandria were interviewed. Data was collected about socio-economic status of females, their knowledge about MHS offered by HIO, as well as sources of receiving MHS other than HIO. Barriers preventing utilization of such services and recommendations for improvement were explored from beneficiaries. The results revealed that for the last pregnancy, about half the sample utilized antenatal services and about one fourth utilized natal services, while a very small percentage (8%) utilized family planning services. The private sector was the main source for receiving MHS for non-utilizer. Lack of confidence and low quality of services were the main barriers preventing utilization. Complete physical examination, examination of fetal heart sound and improvement of physical environment of obstetrics and gynecology department were the main recommendations for improvement of MHS offered by HIO.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Administration and Behavioral, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: El-Mahally
authors.forename: N H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Amer
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Nazif
authors.forename: E el-D
authors.initials: Eel-D
authors.lastname: Eid
authors.forename: H Z
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Abdel Kader
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004534:Egypt; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011787:Quality of Health Care