Sociodemographic factors associated with maternal health care utilization in Wosera, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.
This retrospective study sought to describe the utilization of maternal health services in a rural community in Wosera, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Interviews were undertaken with a convenience sample of 391 women of reproductive age. We examined the relationship between socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the use of antenatal clinic services and delivery at a health centre. Despite uptake of antenatal care services by 79% of women, two-thirds of women gave birth at home. Women's education was an independent predictor for maternal health care utilization, for both antenatal care and delivery at a health facility. At least one visit to an antenatal clinic was the strongest predictor of delivering at a health care facility. Women expressed barriers to assisted childbirth such as distance to health facilities, especially when labour came fast, and feelings of shame in presenting to a facility to give birth. This study provides important information relating to the uptake of maternal health care services. Despite the uptake of available antenatal care services, intrapartum services are not well accessed.
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea. seri.maraga@pngimr.org.pg
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Maraga
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
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Namosha
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
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Gouda
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
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Vallely
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
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Rare
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
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Phuanukoonnon
D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006700:Home Childbirth / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors