Health-Seeking Behaviour and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Maternal Health Service Utilisation in Developing Countries

Abstract

The cost of death of a woman to the family and community is inestimable. Extant studies suggest that positive health seeking behaviour and utilisation of maternal health service could reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rate considerably. This paper reviewed the health seeking behaviour and the socio-demographic determinants of maternal health services utilisation in developing countries. The study was based on Anderson behavioural health care utilisation model which postulated that maternal health service utilisation is dependent on the interaction between the individual traits, population characteristics and environmental factors. Utilisation of maternal health services has been studied in a wider range of viewpoints and studies have revealed that health seeking behaviour of women of reproductive age has a significant influence on health service utilisation. In addition, women’s autonomy, age, level of education and availability of health services were found to have significant influence on health service utilisation. Based on the review, it was suggested that, at community level, health educators should create awareness on the importance of maternal health service utilisation as well as the services available in the health facilities. Government should formulate policy that would allow women of reproductive age to take decisive actions on matters relating to their health.