Socio-Economic and facility-based determinants of health-seeking behaviours for child health services among mothers getting health care at Katabi Military Hospital, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i6.117Keywords:
Socio-Economic determinants, traditional medicine, long waiting time,, , poor infrastructure,, health seeking behaviours, Katabi Military Hospital.Abstract
Background
The study aimed to determine the Socio-Economic and facility-based determinants of health-seeking behaviours for child health services among mothers getting health care at Katabi Military Hospital, Wakiso District.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted at Katabi Military Hospital, Wakiso District, among 45 mothers seeking child health services. Convenience sampling and a self-administered questionnaire captured sociodemographic, individual, socioeconomic, and facility-related factors influencing health-seeking behaviour. Sample size was determined using the Kish-Leslie formula. Data were collected with institutional approval, managed, and analysed using Microsoft Excel to generate percentages. Quality assurance involved pretesting the tool, while ethical clearance, informed consent, and confidentiality were ensured throughout the study. Validity and reliability were strengthened through supervision, data handling, and secure storage.
Results
Results from 45 respondents showed that 44.4% were self-employed, 22.2% operated businesses, 20.0% were formally employed, and 13.4% had no job. The majority were single (51.1%), while 35.5% were married. Socioeconomic findings showed 48.9% agreed and 26.6% strongly agreed that formally employed mothers seek timely care. Most respondents disagreed that traditional medicine (55.6%) and supernatural issues (75.6%) cause childhood diseases. Gender did not influence care decisions for 71.1%. The cost of services affected care-seeking for 71.1%. Facility results showed 28.9% reported poor quality care. Long waiting time (51.1%), stock-outs (26.7%), and slow service (22.2%) were common. Distance affected timely care for 77.8% respondents.
Conclusion
Significant socioeconomic and health facility-related barriers to timely child health-care seeking.
Recommendation
The government and development partners, including NGOs, should establish more health facilities and adequately equip them with essential child health supplies to improve service accessibility.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jane Frank Nalubega, Sharon Akello, Jaliah Namutebi, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Hasifa Nansereko, Francisco Ssemuwemba
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