Factors determining antenatal health seeking behavior of adolescent mothers at the antenatal clinic in Naivasha District Hospital, Kenya
Abstract
Adolescent pregnant mothers encompass those aged between 10-19 years (WHO 2004). Antenatal health seeking behaviour in these young mothers is a concept that influences them to reflect positively on their antenatal maternal health. It includes personal actions to promote well being in pregnancy. Many factors impact negatively on the antenatal health seeking behaviour of adolescent mothers due to their compromised position in society. This exposes them to low Antenatal care compliance and its many consequences (Atuyambe et al 2008).
This descriptive study was aimed at establishing the prevalence and factors determining antenatal health seeking behaviour of adolescent mothers attending antenatal clinic in Naivasha District Hospital, Kenya. Demographic, economic, socio-cultural, institutional and psychological factors were explored. Data was collected using a semi-structured pretested questionnaire.
A sample size of 72 adolescent mothers was randomly selected from the study population. Cleaned data was entered into the computer and analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), version 17. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to summarise data and to determine associations between study variables. Quantitative results have been presented in descriptive statistical format like frequency tables, bar charts, and pie charts. Qualitative results have been presented verbatim.
Ethical clearance and permission to conduct the research was obtained. Other ethical values and considerations were also put in place. The mean age of respondents was 17.7years and the modal class 18 years. Prevalence of adolescents with positive antenatal health seeking behaviour was found to be very low (30.6%). A significant association was established between unplanned pregnancy, peer influence and negative health seeking behaviour (p-value, 0.048, 0.007) respectively. Lack of knowledge was seen to have a very negative impact; 83.1% agreed or strongly agreed they knew nothing about Antenatal clinic prior their first visit, this made them to start late (72.2% commenced after 16 weeks).
Demographic, socio-economic, institutional and psychological factors showed statistically non significant associations. Marital status, knowledge, attitude of health care workers, family support, and good financial status were factors that determined positive health seeking behaviour. This study recommends need for education especially community based by Naivasha District Hospital, re-enforcement of insurance schemes, youth friendly services and policies related to antenatal health seeking behaviour of adolescent mothers.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya