FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIORS FOR CHILD HEALTH CARE SERVICES AMONG MOTHERS AT KAWAALA HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

This study aims to identify the factors influencing health-seeking behaviors for child health care services among mothers at Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala District. 

 Methodology

The study used a descriptive – cross-sectional study design that involved a quantitative data collection method and 30 mothers were selected using a simple random sampling method. Structured researcher-administered questionnaires were used to collect data that was analyzed using Microsoft Excel program 2016 for presentation into tables, graphs, and pie charts. 

 Results

This study identified Caretaker, Socio-Economic, and Health Facility Factors as those that influenced health-seeking behaviors for child health care services among mothers at Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala District.  The study results showed that caretaker-related factors comprised; 76.7% practiced self–medication, 63.3% never had time to seek for child health care services. Socio-economic factors were; 50% were self – employed 56.7% were not supported by a partner and 83.3% knew that herbal medicine is the culturally recommended treatment for childhood illnesses. Health facility-related factors included; 70% reported absence of drugs at the health facility, 73.3% reported that health workers were rude and 50% had waited for more than 3 hours before receiving services. 

 Conclusion

Caretaker-related factors, socio-economic and health facility-related factors were influencing the poor health-seeking behaviors for child health care services.

 Recommendation

It is therefore recommended that stakeholders should join hands to teach the public about the need to seek child health care services as well as improve the quality of child health care services.