Use Of Health Belief Model And Self-Determination Theory To Explain Antenatal Care Services Utilization Among Postnatal Women In Mara Region

ABSTRACT

Background: Mara region is among the regions in Tanzania reported to have high maternal mortality ratios. Antenatal care services which are considered to prevent maternal deaths are under-utilized and the factors associated with under-utilization are not explained. Therefore, this study aimed to use the health belief model and self-determination theory to explain ANC services utilization among postnatal women in Mara Region.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving postnatal women from April to July 2020 was done using a structured questionnaire. A total of 384 postnatal women were recruited using the systematic sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association of variables. A p-value of