Demographic Factors Associated With Utilization of Free Maternity Services Among Women of Reproductive Age Receiving Care at Saboti Sub-County Hospital, Kenya

Globally there is urgent need to ensure all expectant mothers delivers to a health facility under care of trained specialized health care worker to reduce the risk related complications with the child delivery (kiharaet al.,2015). This study aimed to determine demographic factors associated with utilization of free maternity services among women of reproductive age receiving care at Saboti sub-county hospital, Kenya. This study was a cross-sectional study design. Data collection was done from July to October 2022.The sample size was 384 amongwomen receiving maternity services at Saboti Sub-county. Data Collection involves use of pretested questionnaire on demographic factors associated with utilization of free maternity services. Respondents who indicated they were in 30-39 age group were 6.63 [95%CI = 1.95– 22.52, p = 0.002] times more likely to have high utilization of free maternity care services compared to respondents who indicated they were in 15-19 age group.Respondents who indicated they were married were 4.09 [95%CI = 1.89– 8.86, p<0.001] times more likely to have high utilization of free maternity care services compared to respondents who indicated they were single. Respondents who indicated they were civil servants were 3.67[95%CI = 1.44– 9.36, p = 0.007] times more likely to have high utilization of free maternity care services compared to respondents who indicated they were unemployed. The study found out socio-demographic factors: age of the mother, marital status and employment status showed a significant statistical association with utilization of free maternity services.Policy makers and health workers should enhance intervention focusing on, young women, single and those of primary level of education to improve on utilization of free maternity services.