The factors determining the under-utilisation of maternity obstetric units within the Sedibeng district

Abstract

This descriptive quantitative survey attempted to identify reasons why pregnant women who have been screened as low-risk pregnancies failed to utilise MOUs for the delivery of their babies. The objective of the study was to investigate the factors determining the under-utilisation of Sharpville MOU in Emfuleni sub-district.

The research population comprised all postnatal mothers residing in Sharpeville who delivered their babies at hospital and who were screened as low-risk pregnancies; the accessible convenience sample consisted of all postnatal mothers who attended Sharpeville Clinic for their six weeks follow-up postnatal care from 5 December 2005 till 6 January 2006 and who were willing to complete questionnaires.

Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire and analysed using the SPSS computer program.

Major factors drawn from the study that influence their decision on place of delivery were nurses' attitudes, lack of doctors, transport, privacy and resources.