Influence of Distance to Health Facilities on the Use of Skilled Attendants at Birth in Kenya

Health Care Women Int. 2016;37(2):237-49. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2014.908194. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Abstract

We sought to determine the spatial variation in the use of skilled providers during deliveries across Kenya and the relationship between distance to health facilities and the use of skilled delivery. We found that women who resided 5 km or less from the nearest health facility were more likely to use skilled care at delivery than women residing at greater distances, although the pattern of choice of health facility level for delivery differed at this distance. Outreach maternity services are urgently required in counties with remote communities in order to improve access to skilled attendants during deliveries in these areas.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery, Obstetric / standards
  • Delivery, Obstetric / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Facilities
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Kenya
  • Maternal Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome