Barriers to Access and Utilization of Maternal and Infant Health Services in Migori, Kenya

Abstract

Barriers to accessing and utilizing maternal and infant services hinder the progress of achieving the Millenium Development Goals 4 and 5, consequently improving maternal and infant health is an international priority.Maternal and infant mortality is highest in developing countries where several barriers to access and utilization of health care exist. This was a study of an on-going Maternal and Infant Survival to Health care Advancement (MAISHA) project to identify barriers to access and utilization of maternal and infant health services in Migori County, Kenya among 446 women of reproductive age. This was a cross sectional study which employed bothqualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using Interviewer - administered questionnaires, Key Informant Interview guides and Focus Group Discussion guides.Barriers to access of the services included socio-economic, cultural barriers and lack of up – to date training among the staff. Success in improving access and utilization of these services requires concerted efforts.

Keywords:Barriers, Access, Utilization, Maternal and infant health, Maternal and infant mortality