Factors Associated with Febrile Treatment-Seeking Behaviour among Expectant Mothers in Ssekanyonyi, Uganda

Background: Malaria fever is a serious health problem that contributes greatly to morbidity and mortality in Uganda. In Mityana District where 4 in 10 pregnancy deaths are malaria related mothers who do not seek treatment in health facilities when they experience febrile illnesses. Therefore, a study was undertaken to identify factors associated with treatment-seeking behavior among pregnant women suffering from febrile illnesses suspected to be malaria in Ssekanyonyi Sub-County in Mityana District, Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in which questionnaires and key informant guides were administered to 198 expectant mothers to generate data on their socio-demographics and treatment seeking behaviour. SPSS software version 20.0 was used for data analysis and a Logistic Regression model was fitted to identify factors that independently influenced their health-seeking behavior.

Results: Out of the198 expectant mothers enrolled in the study, 42.9% were aged 15-25 years, 73.7% had achieved Secondary education, and 46.5% were married. The treatment-seeking behavior was found to be standing at only 56.6%. Among the different factors studied, health education on malaria (AOR = 3.68, P = 0.000), the attitude of midwives (AOR = 1.45, P = 0.003), patient care (AOR = 0.33, P = 0.030), and attitude of the pregnant mother (AOR = 5.38, P = 0.000) were found to be statistically significantly associated with treatment-seeking behavior among pregnant mothers with febrile illnesses.

Conclusion: The study concludes that health education on malaria, attitude of midwives and pregnant mothers are the most important in positively affecting treatment seeking behavior among pregnant mothers with febrile illnesses.

Recommendations: Health education on malaria, attitude of midwives, patient care and attitude of pregnant mothers need to be given attention in a bid to reduce febrile illnesses. The Ministry of Health and other responsible stakeholders need to reinforce awareness programs on health education among women of reproductive age about the danger of febrile illnesses during pregnancy and also help midwives address issues related to their attitude towards pregnant mothers