Choice of place for childbirth: prevalence and correlates of utilization of health facilities in Chongwe district, Zambia

Abstract

To determine the prevalence and correlatesfor utilization of health facilities for childbirth in a rural Chongwe district, Zambia. Design: A cross sectional study was carried among 250 mothers who had delivered babies within one year prior to the survey. A Backward multiple logistic regression method was used to determine independent predictors for utilization of health services for childbirth. Main Outcome Measures: Percent utilization of health facilities. Results: A total of 250 mothers were recruited into the study, of whom the majority were below the age of 25 year (41.2%) and were married (84.0%). A third (32.8%) of the mothers were not able to read and write. The rate of health facility utilisation for childbirth was 42.8%. Independent predictors for utilisation of a health facility were place of last childbirth, and knowledge that traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are given none food items (excluding money) after assisting delivery. Compared to mothers who delivered their last pregnancy at a health facility, mothers who had their last childbirth at home were 85% (AOR=0.15, 95%CI [0.10, 0.22]) less likely to deliver their current pregnancy at a health facility. Knowledge that a TBA was given none food items (excluding money) after assisting delivery was negatively associated with delivery at a health facility (AOR=0.55, 95%CI [0.37, 0.83]). Conclusion: The importance of giving birth at a health facility should be communicated to mothers who give birth at home, during postnatal visits or clinic outreach sessions. Key words: Utilization, health facility, childbirth, rural area, Zambia