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Background: Despite over a century’s worth of knowledge that exists on how to prevent maternal mortality in reasonably simple and inexpensive ways, women in developing countries of which Tanzania is a part are still dying at an alarming rate as a result of pregnancy. Moreover, male involvement in maternal health services remains a challenge to effective health care accessibility in general and maternal health care service utilization by the pregnant women and mothers in particular.
Objective: The overall objective of the study was to examine the contribution of women towards improving the Maternal and child’s health. Material and Methods: This study was a cross sectional hospital based survey. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection. Potential interview subjects were recruited using non-random sampling of women waiting to receive health services at Mwananyamala health clinic or at home around Mwananyamala suburbs. The study also interviewed health workers at Mwananyamala hospital. Results: The sample population had a mean age distribution of 28.1 ± 0.72 and 25.5 years for those who responded to questionnaires and those who participated in an indepth interview respectively. For those who responded to questionnaires, most were; - married (41%) and having 1-2 children (48.3%), received information about ANC services (68.7%) and were attending ANC services (61.7%). For those who participated in an in-depth interview, the mean number of children per woman interviewed was 3. Mothers who were attending hospitals and health centers for maternal, child health services: - had significantly higher time during which they started to visit ANC. Again they were significantly likely to receive pregnancy counseling, take HIV test and multivitamin consumption. The chance to take children for immunization was again significantly higher for mothers who were attending hospitals and health centers for maternal and child health services (68.4%), had significantly knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding (69.7%) and practiced exclusive breastfeeding (76%). Male or father participation towards maternal and child health services was considered poor.
Discussion: About 61.7% reported to have attended antenatal maternity care. This was different from what has been reported in the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey report 2010 which showed that about 96% of women indicated to have attended the antenatal maternity care. The number of mid-wives was mentioned to be inadequate and the present ones had no good skill. More mid-wives are needed to improve maternal and newborn survival. Most mothers realized that they were pregnant by 2nd and 3rd month. Discussions about pregnancy and postpartum danger signs and postpartum care could inform women about appropriate care and the types of services available. Timely and appropriate information is essential to help women make informed choices about their place of birth and the way that they use maternity services. The obstacle for proper nutrition for mothers and children is lack of nutrition education and knowledge. Nutrition education and counseling are considered to improve nutrition practices before and during pregnancy to improve maternal nutrition and reduce the risk of poor health outcomes in both mothers and their children. In Mwananyamala area, male or fathers do not offer a supportive role to their partners during pregnancy, labor and birth and after the baby is born. It is clear that in some communities, women’s health is valued less than that of men. Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that attending hospital or health center for maternal and child health services significantly contribute to improved maternal and child health as indicated in some key aspects in this study. |
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