Determinants of Quality Maternal Care among Women in Garissa County Referral Hospital

Abstract

The determinants of quality maternal care among women in Garissa County Referral Hospitals are multifaceted and can be attributed to a combination of individual, structural, and systemic factors. The general objective of this study was to examine the determinants of quality maternal care among women in Garissa County Referral Hospital. The specific objectives include to examine how physical factors and accessibility contribute to quality maternal care among women in Garissa County Referral Hospital. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and Social Action Theory. A descriptive research design was employed. The target population consists of 314 employees at Garissa County Referral Hospitals, with a sample size of 63 participants, determined using Yamane's formula. Data collection involved the administration of questionnaires and key informant interviews. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings from this study suggest the study emphasize the significant role of physical accessibility in determining maternal health outcomes, especially in areas like Garissa County, where geographical, infrastructural and social factors significantly hinder access to timely maternal healthcare. The results of a binary logistic regression analysis conducted indicated Physical Accessibility, Is Not Statistically Significant Predictors, Although Access and Staffing scores were included in the model, their coefficients were not statistically significant (p > 0.05): Access: B = 0.010, p = 0.873. The study concludes Geographic isolation, poor infrastructure, lack of emergency services and limited transport options all contribute to delays in seeking maternal care, which increases the risk of maternal complications and deaths. Among the recommendations policies aimed at providing financial support, such as subsidized healthcare services or maternal healthcare insurance schemes, could significantly improve access to care for women from low-income households.