ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES IN BEREKUM MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

There has been a considerable amount of evidence showing that good health in general and maternal health in particular can playa major role in poverty alleviation and human development. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, perception and utilization of maternal health services in Berekum municipality.The study was non- experimental. It was modelled on a case study design when a specific area is investigated in order to get more information. This study adopted a mixed method which included focus group discussion (FGD), observations and survey questionnaire approach through Purposive sampling, Cluster sampling and Convenience sampling. The data collected with questionnaires were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Among others some of the results were: Majority of the respondents (96.1 %) were aware of antenatal services in the health facilities within the municipality. The study revealed that most of the women (52.3%) accessed ANC during their 3rd Trimester of pregnancy. This was followed by (30.6%) in their 1 SI Trimester and (17.1 %) in their 2nd Trimester. From the perspective of the women, majority (72.0%) strongly agreed that there is the need for mothers to seek maternal health services in health facilities. Generally, maternal , health care in the municipality were facing some challenges such as lack of laboratory and scan services, but largely women do seek for maternal health services. Much education needs to be done to improve maternal health services in the municipality.