Factors influencing women’s utilization of public health care services during childbirth in Malawi Public health facility utilization.

Kennedy Machira1, Martin Palamuleni

1. North West University-Mafikeng, Population and Research Unit, Address; Private Bag x2046, Mmabatho, 2735
2. North West University –Mafikeng, Population and Research Unit, Address; Email: martin.palamuleni@nwu.ac.za

Abstract
Background: Maternal mortality remains a public health challenge claiming many lives at the time of giving birth lives. However, there have been scanty studies investigating factors influencing women’s use of public health facilities during childbirth.

Objective:The aim of the study was to explore the factors associated with women choice of public health facility during childbirth.

Methods: The study used 2010 Malawi Demographic Health Survey dataset and a binary logistics regression analysis to estimate the determinants influencing women’s use of public health facilities at the time they give birth.

Results: Of 23020 women respondents, 8454(36.7%) chose to give birth in public health facilities. Multivariate analysis reported that frequency of antenatal care (ANC), birth order, women’s education, wealth status and quality of care were the major predictors increasing women’s choice to use public health facilities at childbirth.

Conclusion:There is need to use multimedia approach to engage women on significance of utilizing public health facilities during childbirth and promote quality of care in facilities if their health outcome is to improve in Malawi.

Keywords:Childbirth, public health, health care, Malawi.