Health care services and maternal education in South Africa

Aims: The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of maternal education on the utilization of maternal health care services in selected areas of the Eastern Cape. Moreover, the study's aim also is to examine the reasons for non-use as well as determinants and levels of maternal health care utilization. Methods: From the 422 participants sampled, 345 fully completed questionnaires were returned and included in the analysis. The study used multilevel analyses. The dependent variables included antenatal care, delivery care, and postnatal care within 2 months after birth. The independent variables were socioeconomic and demographic factors selected based on literature on the subject. Results: Use of antenatal and delivery care services was high in the study areas, but postnatal check-ups were reported below 50%. The majority of the women (50%) reported that the ambulance arrived too late, and, as such, they did not use health facilities when giving birth. Women with four or more children use antenatal and delivery care less than women with one child, while women with four or more children use postnatal care more than women with just one child. Conclusions: This study will be immense useful for the policy-makers, public health research managers and concerned health care decision-makers.