Utilisation of Reproductive Health Services by Women in Mukalla City, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate utilisation of reproductive health services coupled with perceived low service quality and cultural barriers contribute to high maternal deaths in Yemeni women. This study aims to assess the level of utilisation of reproductive health services in Mukalla City, Yemen. 

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2013 involving 380 married women of reproductive age group (15-49 years). Other criteria for inclusion were that the women should have a child aged two years or below, and they should have visited the public sector primary healthcare services for child immunisation, antenatal care, or other treatments. A paper-based structured questionnaire was administered during the interviews with the enrolled participants. 

Results: The mean age of participants was 29 (SD ±6.5) years. About 80% of the women had received antenatal care, and two-thirds of the respondents had used healthcare facilities for delivery of their last child. A large majority (87.4%) had access to skilled and trained personnel during their last delivery either at home or at healthcare facilities. Family planning was practiced by almost half of the respondents (49.5%). The utilisation of reproductive health services was significantly higher in women residing in urban areas and those with high educational level (p = <0.001). 

Conclusions: We found a higher level of reproductive health services utilisation in Mukalla City, which is better than that reported at the national level or in other areas in the same province.