Exploring Beliefs and Knowledge about Maternal Health: The Case of Women in Korogocho Slums, Nairobi

Abstract

Despite the fact that the government of Kenya has taken several steps to make it easier for all women to access maternal healthcare services (MHS), studies show that utilization of these services continues to be poor in the informal settlements of Nairobi, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Studies further reveal that utilization of MHS is influenced by beliefs and knowledge about maternal health. In view of the aforementioned, the purpose of this study was to investigate beliefs and knowledge about maternal among women in informal settlements. This study, which was conducted in Korogocho slums, Nairobi, adopted a mixed method approach, which involved a survey and analysis of secondary data. Almost all of the subjects believed that some groups of women were at a greater risk of experiencing maternal morbidity than others, and that maternal health is affected by many different factors, including biophysical, socio-economic to cultural practices. The study established that 42 percent and 54 percent of the respondents were aware of danger signs during pregnancy and delivery respectively, while only 19 percent were aware of danger signs during the post-partum period. Most respondents identified blurred vision, convulsions and difficulty in breathing as the main danger signs during pregnancy. During delivery, the most commonly identified danger signs were severe bleeding, convulsions and fainting. However, during the post partum period, only two fifths of the respondents identified convulsions as a danger sign. The study recommends that the Kenyan National government and the Nairobi County government should conduct awareness campaigns with targeted messages to improve maternal knowledge, with a view to improving maternal health outcomes in informal settlements in Nairobi.