DETERMINANTS AND UTILISATION OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (MCH) CARE SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE

Abstract

This study examined the determinants and utilisation of maternal and child health (MCH) cares services
among women of child bearing age. The determinants were maternal age, maternal educational
background and residential location in the utilisation of available MCH care services comprising of
blood test, urine analyses, routine immunisation, personal hygiene and exercise during antenatal visits in
pregnancy and postnatal visits after birth. It was concluded that antenatal visits during pregnancy should
be encouraged to help detect when pregnancy is at risk. It was also concluded that Health care providers
should emphasize the need to take babies for post-natal immunisation, as babies from 0-5 years needs to
be immunised at regular intervals before reaching their fifth birthday and it is necessary to discourage
the use of non-prescribed drugs on children when they are ill, rather they should be taken to health
facility for proper diagnosis. It was recommended among others that women should be enlightened on
care of pregnancy and safety measures that ensures safe delivery.