Factors Associated with Home Births among Rural Mothers in Uganda:

Abstract

Background: In Uganda, about 16 mothers die daily due to pregnancy, childbirth complications or within the first six weeks after delivery. For each maternal death, at least six mothers sustain permanent or temporary disabilities and morbidities. Until now, nearly 42% of the women still deliver at home and yet, 94% of them attend antenatal care at least once. Factors for the persistence of home births among mothers in rural areas of Uganda were therefore investigated to specifically determine the association between social demographic characteristics and home births, the impact of village health teams and the role played by sexual partners in influencing home births. Methods: Through a prospective descriptive survey, data were collected from 133 mothers and fathers using a questionnaire and focus group discussion while 6 key informants were interviewed. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed while quantitative data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and chi-square to determine the association of social demographic characteristics and home births. Results: Social demographic characteristics including age, parity, distance, level of education of both partners, and culture were associated with home births except religion, tribe and health facility characteristics. VHTs occasionally referred mothers for health facility birth and partners greatly influenced the choice of birthplace. Conclusion: Bridging the distance between homes and health facilities as well as empowering the girl child through education would reduce home births. VHTs and partners should be lobbied to actively engage in maternal and childbirth.