Assessment of Maternal Health Information Seeking Behavior of Pregnant Women: Case Study of Ngarenaro Health Center, Arusha City Council.

Kilonzo, Rafiki (2023) Assessment of Maternal Health Information Seeking Behavior of Pregnant Women: Case Study of Ngarenaro Health Center, Arusha City Council. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study was on the maternal health information-seeking behaviour of pregnant women in Ngarenaro Health Centre. The study was guided by general objective and specific objectives. This study used a case study research design with application of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Simple random, purposive, and convenience sampling techniques were employed to 82 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data analyzed using MS- Excel and MS- word. The study revealed that the information needs of pregnant women during the antenatal stage were on health risks of early pregnancy 46(59%); during prenatal were information on anaemia 58(74%); during postnatal were information on child caring 48(62%) and others. The study also found that the common sources of maternal health information are doctors 69(88%) and nurses 45(58%). Furthermore, the findings revealed that lack of other sources of information and low levels of education were limiting factors in the information-seeking behaviour. It is identified that long distances to the clinic for check-ups 77(99%), lack of cooperation from husbands 37(47%), and lack of education 33(42%) were among the strongly mentioned challenges. The study recommended changes in NHC strategic plan on maternal health information provision, the health ministry policy reforms health information infrastructures and increase budget in health center. The study concludes by reminding women that information is a weapon in the battle against maternal mortality and pregnancy complications. Keywords: Maternal Health Information; Information Seeking Behaviour; Pregnant Women; Pregnancy; Maternal Mortality.

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