Abstract:
Background: Quality of delivery care service is an important aspect of maternal healthcare
that is given a priority globally and in developing countries in particular, however reports on
this aspect are scarce, which calls for further study. Therefore, assessment and improvement
of the quality of delivery services could enhance delivery care services utilization.
Objectives: To assess quality of delivery service at public health facilities in Arba Minch
town and the surrounding district, Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross sectional facility based study using both quantitative and qualitative method
of data collection was conducted from April 1st-25th, 2014. All 9 facilities, 27 key informants
and a total of 256 delivered mothers were included. The data was collected using pre-tested
interview guided, Semi structured in-depth interview guide and structured checklists were
used and entered by using Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0.
Factor analysis was performed for likert scale questions. Qualitative data was analyzed using
thematic approach then triangulated with quantitative. Descriptive, bivariate, multivariable and
overall quality of delivery services the composite quality indices analysis was performed.
Result The overall quality of care was 54.06%. A shortage of some medical equipment,
drugs, supplies, infection prevention materials and trained staffs in health facilities and also
few partograph records, good client provider interaction and low infection prevention practice
was observed. Two hundred thirty two (90.2%) studied clients reported satisfied by services.
Factors that predicted client satisfaction in delivery care service was included :- not attending
formal education with [AOR= 8.00, 95% CI = (1.51, 42.61)], follow the recommended number
of anti natal care visit[ AOR = 5.00, 95% CI = (1.76, 14.20)], waiting time less than 15minits
to be seen by health professional with [AOR = 3.37 ,95% CI = (1.14, 10.00)] and those
mothers who not payed for the drugs and supplies[ AOR = 6.19,95% CI = (1.34, 28.57)] were
more satisfied than their counter part.
Conclusion in this study poor quality delivery service was observed at all health facilities.
Thus it was recommended that the government could take actions for improving facilities
capacity and performance of care providers in order to improve quality of delivery service.
