Factors Associated with Reproductive Health Seeking Behaviour among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 years): A Case Study of Kangitit Sub-Location, Turkana East Sub-County, Turkana County

Introduction: There is an increasing unmet need for safe and effective maternal health services. The health seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age is low in Kangitit Sub-location and yet no studies had been carried out in Turkana East sub-county to determine factors associated with health seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age. The main objective of the study was to describe factors associated with reproductive health seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Kangitit sub-location. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample population and a total of 228 respondents participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires with open and close ended questions and the data analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results: The study found out that culture, belief systems and economic conditions are vital factors in determining factors associated with reproductive health seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age which can form the major concern of those who formulate and implement government health policies. The study revealed the distance to health centre from home was negatively associated with the use of antenatal care. Key barriers reported in contracted sites included physical distance, user charges and familial influences. Decision-making patterns for participants of both catchments were largely similar. Spouses and mother-inlaws particularly influenced the decision to utilize health facilities.

Conclusions: The study recommends that increased efforts should focus on sensitizing the general public on maternal health services and so programs should promote health seeking behaviour among women and training of health personnel. Maternal health programs should therefore be intensified for poor and illiterate women.

Author(s): Gladys Arika and Ben O Osuga

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