Determinants of delivery point choice among pregnant women in Ntenjeru North, Kayunga District, Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/jwhr.v3i4.69Keywords:
Delivery point choice, maternal health, facility-based delivery, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), health-seeking behavior, Kayunga DistrictAbstract
Background:
Choice of delivery point remains a critical determinant of maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in rural settings where access to skilled birth attendance is limited. This study aimed to explore the determinants influencing pregnant women’s choice of delivery point in Ntenjeru North, Kayunga District.
Methodology:
A qualitative cross-sectional study grounded in an interpretivist approach was conducted among pregnant women and key informants. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 participants. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews in Luganda and English. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed.
Results:
About 77.8% of women had low awareness of childbirth complications, limiting their perceived need for facility-based delivery. Cultural and familial preferences strongly influenced decisions, with 66.7% favoring home or TBA-assisted births due to trust, cultural compatibility, and comfort. Although 66.6% acknowledged the benefits of hospital care, including emergency services and pain management, negative perceptions, such as poor staff attitudes and hygiene, discouraged utilization. Economic constraints and accessibility challenges, including long distances and drug stock-outs, further influenced decisions. Male dominance in decision-making (77.8%) significantly limited women’s autonomy.
Conclusion:
Delivery point choice in Ntenjeru North is shaped by a complex interplay of low health literacy, socio-cultural norms, economic barriers, and health system challenges.
Recommendations:
There is a need for the government to strengthen maternal health education, promote culturally sensitive care, improve health facility infrastructure, involve male partners in maternal health decisions, and integrate TBAs into formal referral systems are essential to increase facility-based deliveries and improve maternal outcomes.
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