Factors affecting access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County in Marsabit County. Chapter 1

Introduction

Maternal health services are essential for ensuring the well-being of mothers and their newborns. Access to these services is crucial in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. However, in many low-resource settings, such as Saku Sub-County in Marsabit County, access to maternal services is limited due to various factors. Understanding these factors is important for developing targeted interventions to improve access to maternal health services in the region.

This chapter provides an overview of the factors that affect access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County. It begins by discussing the importance of maternal health services and the impact of limited access on maternal and infant health outcomes. It then explores the socio-economic, cultural, and geographical factors that contribute to the limited access to maternal services in the region.

1.1 Background

Maternal health services play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of mothers and their newborns. These services include antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and family planning services. Access to these services is essential for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes.

In low-resource settings, such as Saku Sub-County in Marsabit County, access to maternal health services is often limited. This is due to a combination of socio-economic, cultural, and geographical factors that create barriers to accessing care. These barriers can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of mothers and their newborns.

1.2 Problem Statement

Despite efforts to improve maternal health services in Saku Sub-County, access to these services remains limited. This is reflected in high maternal and infant mortality rates in the region. The factors contributing to this limited access are complex and multifaceted, making it challenging to address them effectively.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main objective of this study is to identify and explore the factors that affect access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County in Marsabit County. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the socio-economic factors that influence access to maternal services in the region.
2. To assess the cultural factors that impact access to maternal services in the community.
3. To explore the geographical barriers that hinder access to maternal health services in the region.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it will provide valuable insights into the factors that affect access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County. The findings will help policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to develop targeted interventions to improve access to maternal health services in the region. By addressing these barriers, it is possible to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and improve overall maternal and child health outcomes in the community.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study will focus on Saku Sub-County in Marsabit County, Kenya. The research will explore the factors that affect access to maternal services in the region, including socio-economic, cultural, and geographical barriers. The study will involve interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, and a review of existing literature on maternal health services in the region.

1.6 Organization of the Study

This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background, problem statement, research objectives, significance of the study, scope of the study, and organization of the study. Chapter 2 reviews the existing literature on access to maternal services in low-resource settings. Chapter 3 describes the research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study, and Chapter 5 discusses the implications of the findings and provides recommendations for improving access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

Maternal health is a critical indicator of overall health and well-being in a community. Access to quality maternal services significantly reduces maternal mortality and morbidity, improves birth outcomes, and contributes to the overall health of mothers and their children. However, access to these services can be influenced by various factors, especially in rural and marginalized areas such as Saku Sub-County in Marsabit County.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the importance of maternal healthcare, access to these services remains a challenge in Saku Sub-County. High maternal mortality rates, low antenatal care attendance, and limited access to skilled birth attendants are some of the indicators of this problem. Understanding the factors affecting access to maternal services is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve maternal health outcomes in the Sub-County.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the factors influencing access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County. Specific objectives include:

- Identifying the socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic barriers to access maternal services
- Examining the availability and quality of maternal health facilities and services
- Assessing the role of community engagement and education in promoting maternal health
- Analyzing the influence of health policies and funding on access to maternal services

1.4 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in accessing maternal services in Saku Sub-County. The recommendations derived from the research will inform policymakers, health care providers, and community stakeholders on strategies to improve access to and utilization of maternal health services, thereby reducing maternal mortality and improving birth outcomes.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study will focus on factors affecting access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County, Marsabit County. It will include data collection from primary and secondary sources, including household surveys, facility assessments, and key informant interviews. The study will be limited to the available resources and time constraints.

1.6 Chapter Outline

This chapter provides an overview of the research topic, including the background, problem statement, research objectives, significance, scope, and limitations.

Chapter 2 will provide a comprehensive literature review of the factors affecting access to maternal services in rural and marginalized settings.

Chapter 3 will describe the methodology used to conduct the study, including the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.

Chapter 4 will present the results of the study, discussing the identified factors affecting access to maternal services in Saku Sub-County.

Chapter 5 will provide a discussion of the findings, highlighting their implications for maternal health policy and practice.

Chapter 6 will conclude the study by summarizing the key findings, drawing conclusions, and providing recommendations for improving access to maternal services in the Sub-County.

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