Utilization of Maternal Health Services in Slum Area of Butwal Sub-Metropolitian City

Abstract

Background: High maternal morbidity and mortality has been a major public health problem in Nepal which may be due to the low utilization of maternal health services in Nepal. Utilization of maternal services is found very low in slum areas as compared to upscale areas. This study aims to find out the prevalence of utilization of maternal health services and its associated factors in slum areas of Butwal sub-Metropolitan city.

Methods: A community based cross sectionalstudy was conducted among 202 women who had given birth to baby within 1 year. Semi-structured questionnaire and face to face interview was done to collect the data. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: The results showed thatabout 81.18% women had taken complete ANC and 34.65% had taken complete PNC services as per protocol of WHO. Multivariate logistic regression showed that respondent education, monthly income, nearest to health care facilities, knowledge level, and women’s autonomy was found to be associated significantly with complete utilization of ANC services. Similarly, Respondent occupation and nearest to health care facilities were found to be associated significantly with complete utilization of PNC.

Conclusion: Though ANC utilization was found to be satisfactory but PNC utilization was found very low so more focused should be given to increase the utilization of PNC services in slum area.