Utilization Of Skilled Birth Attendants Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Central Division, Kajiado County, Kenya.

The proportion of births assisted by skilled birth attendants in Kenya is 44% while in Kajiado Central Sub County is 28%. Maternal mortality in Kenya is estimated to be 488 per 100,000 live births. This worrying trend of maternal mortality is thought to be a result of using unskilled attendants at birth. This study sought to determine the factors that influenced utilization of skilled birth attendants among women of reproductive age in Central division, Kajiado County. The objectives of the study were to: determine demographic characteristics, socio-cultural factors, economic factors as well as institutional characteristics that influenced utilization of skilled birth attendants among women of reproductive age in Central Division. A cross sectional descriptive study design was used. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focused group discussions. A total of 324 out of a sample population of 332 women of reproductive age who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study using systematic sampling of households. Informed consent was obtained from respondents. The respondents were assured of privacy and confidentiality. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 while qualitative data was organized and analyzed thematically. Hypothesis testing was done using Chi-square test. A p-value of