Title:
Improving utilization of ANC, Delivery and PNC Services in Bong County, Liberia
Authors:
Kofa, Alphonso Wesseh
Year:
2014
PAGE:
[2], 100
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
ANC, Delivery, PNC, Utilization, Bong County, Liberia
Abstract:
Background: Low utilization of skilled delivery, ANC and PNC is contributing to high Low utilization of skilled delivery, ANC and PNC is contributing to high maternal mortality in Liberia. The utilization of ANC, delivery and post natal care services influenced by community, individual and Intrapersonal, institutional or health system factors as well public policy factors. The manner in which these factors influence utilization of ANC, delivery and post natal care services needs to be understood to adapt a holistic approach or intervention that will work in the context of Liberia, especially Bong County. Objective: To analyze factors that influence the utilization of health facilities for ANC, delivery and PNC services in Bong and propose strategies for improvement. Method : The study is based on a literature review. The socio ecological model of determinants of utilization of ANC, delivery and post natal care services was used. Results: The most important barriers to improving the utilisation of maternal health services are health seeking behaviour influenced by traditional beliefs and practices, decision making in the family and community, lack of birth and complication preparedness, cost and transport, staff attitudes, staff availability, responsiveness, and coordination with TBAs. Conclusion: Increase utilization of maternal health services requires improved access through community based programs, integrated outreach services to everyone and improved decision making. The thesis also suggested evidence base interventions that could be suitable in the context of Bong County to improve maternal health utilization. Recommendations: The thesis recommends improvement in women’s education, and behavior change communication, improving quality of maternal health services, and ensuring health workers’s capacity is built.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Liberia, Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Kofa
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
cuzGXn1cr8_20161024164103327.pdf