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

This study examined the determinants and utilisation of maternal and child health (MCH) cares services among women of childbearing age. The determinants were maternal age, maternal educational background and residential location in the utilisation of available MCH care services comprising of the blood tests, 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 need 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 the health facility for proper diagnosis. It was recommended among others that women should be enlightened on the care of pregnancy and safety measures that ensure safe delivery.