Inequalities in the use of maternal and reproductive health services in Sierra Leone

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThis thesis extends the literature on the trends and magnitude of health inequalities in the area of maternal and reproductive health services in Sierra Leone, and particular across sub-Saharan Africa. It attempted to provide a good understanding of, not only the determinants of maternal and reproductive healthcare use, but also factors that enable health inequalities to exist in Sierra Leone. This is an appropriate topic in population health studies as it aims to address important questions on the research agenda in the context of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in a country with poor health outcomes such as Sierra Leone. A proper understanding of not only the coverage rates of population health outcomes but also the extent of health inequalities as well as the factors that contribute to these inequalities is crucial for any government. The thesis applied various techniques in the analysis of DHS data (from 2008 and 2013 rounds) in an attempt to answer the research questions

Utilization of health care services and maternal education in South Africa

Magister Philosophiae - MPhilThe importance of maternal health care services cannot be stressed enough. Maternal health services are important in reducing pregnancy-related complications as well as maternal and infant deaths. This study was concerned with investigating the relationship between maternal education and maternal health care utilization. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the rates of maternal health care use, the reasons for non-use of maternal health services, as well as the determinants of maternal health care use. Primary data was used from selected areas (Tsolo, Qumbu and Mqanduli), which fall within the O.R. Tambo district in the Eastern Cape Province. Simple random sampling was used (with a structured questionnaire) to study maternal health care use among the sampled women. To analyse this data, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques were employed. The results indicated that maternal education was not statistically significant with antenatal and postnatal services, but the percentages were important in explaining the use of maternal health care services in relation to maternal education. Women with higher levels of education reported higher rates of antenatal and delivery care utilization, while those with lower levels of education reported higher rates of postnatal care use. Access factors, such as transport, payment and distance to health facilities, also played an important role in the use of maternal health care services. It was recommended that the Department of Health implement mobile clinics and centralize health care facilities as this will bring essential health services closer to the communities. Women in the study area also need to be educated about the importance of these services, more particularly pertaining to postnatal care

Examining inequality of opportunity in the use of maternal and reproductive health interventions in Sierra Leone

Poor countries, such as Sierra Leone, often have poor health outcomes, whereby the majority of the population cannot access lifesaving health services. Access to, and use of, maternal and reproductive health services is crucial for human development, especially in developing regions. However, inequality remains a persistent problem for many developing countries. Moreover, we have not found empirical studies, which have examined inequalities in maternal and reproductive health in Sierra Leone