Utilization of Primary Health Care and Its Associated Factors among Women of Childbearing Age Living in Mogadishu-Somalia

Abstract

Background: The Somali people have some of the worst health indicators in the world, with women and children most affected. Despite modest improvements in maternal and child mortality rates in the last five years, inequities amongst communities meant that some children and mothers are disproportionately exposed to otherwise avoidable and treatable diseases. The broad aim of this study is to assess utilization of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Its associated factors among Women of Childbearing age living In Mogadishu Somalia. Methodology: Descriptive and Analytical cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among Women of Childbearing age that were living in two districts (Hodan and Abdul-Aziz Districts)-Mogadishu-Somalia-From May 2019 to September 2019. A total of 395 of Women of Childbearing age were targeted during the study period. Descriptive and analytical statistics was used using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 statistical software. The data were showed tables, figures and graphs for describing the data. Results: The study found that Most of respondents were between 15 to 25 years 41.5% (395 sample sizes), while the age of group of >45 to 55 was only 6% (395 sample size). According to the district 76.5% of respondents were from Hodan, while 23.5% (395 sample size) of respondents were from Abdul-Aziz district. According to awareness to the need of a pregnant mother to be vaccinated at the Mother and child health (MCH) Most respondents 48.2% (395 Sample size) said that pregnant women may or may not need to be vaccinated. According to health-seeking decisions only 3% of ever married respondents were made by themselves whilst 97% of them were made by their husband. Age group was not significantly associated with the level of utilization of Primary Health Care (PHC); this is different from study in Kenya showing that age is an important factor in determining the use of skilled assistance, early antenatal care visits and more than four antenatal visits. Conclusion: the study concluded and recommended that the level of utilization of primary health care is poor and lower than other studies around Somalia as well as World Health Organization (WHO). recommendation And the study recommended that enhancing awareness importance of primary health care (PHC) utilization and empowering women Health care-seeking behavior and their husbands.