Abstract

This study assesses maternal health care-seeking behavior and pregnancy outcomes in Buea Municipality, Cameroon. Maternal health care-seeking behavior, including antenatal care visits, facility-based deliveries, and postnatal care, is crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Understanding the factors that influence pregnant women’s health care-seeking decisions can provide insights into how to enhance maternal and child health services in the region.

The research employs a cross-sectional survey design, targeting pregnant women and mothers who have recently given birth in Buea Municipality. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, focusing on the frequency and timing of antenatal care visits, the choice of delivery location, and postnatal care attendance. The study also explored socio-demographic factors such as age, education, marital status, and socio-economic status, as well as cultural beliefs and knowledge about maternal health, to understand their impact on health care-seeking behavior.

Preliminary findings indicate that while most women in Buea Municipality recognize the importance of antenatal care, there are gaps in the utilization of maternal health services. A significant proportion of women delay their first antenatal visit, and some prefer home deliveries or traditional birth attendants over health facilities. Factors such as financial constraints, cultural beliefs, fear of medical procedures, and perceived quality of care in health facilities influence these behaviors. The study also reveals that poor health care-seeking behavior is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including complications during childbirth and low birth weight.

The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve maternal health care-seeking behavior, such as community education programs, improved access to affordable health care, and efforts to enhance the quality of maternal health services in Buea Municipality. By addressing these issues, the study aims to contribute to better pregnancy outcomes and the overall improvement of maternal and child health in the region.

Keywords
Maternal health, health care-seeking behavior, pregnancy outcomes, antenatal care, Buea Municipality, Cameroon, maternal and child health, healthcare utilization, cultural beliefs.