FACTORS INFLUENCING QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS AT ANAKA GENERAL HOSPITAL, NWOYA DISTRICT – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

Globally, pregnancy affects the quality of life of women, and this affects maternal and infant health. In Uganda, 85% of maternal deaths are due to poor quality of life during pregnancy. The purpose of the study was to assess the factors influencing the quality of life among pregnant mothers at Anaka General Hospital, Nwoya District.

Methodology:

It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that utilized quantitative methods. 44 pregnant mothers were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data involving both open and closed-ended questions. The data collected was arranged in tables, pie charts, and graphs.

Results:

In the study,28(63.6%), of the respondents were aged 18 to 25 years, and 34(77.3%) were unemployed. 33(75%) had had 1 to 3 pregnancies, and 34(77.3%) reported that pregnancy drained their energy or influenced the quality of their lives. However, the majority, 36(81.8%) reported that the health workers were friendly, 23(52%) reported that the facilities from where they received care had equipment, and 33(75%) reported that the facilities were clean. Furthermore, the majority, 20(45%) reported to be staying more than 1km away from the health facility.

Conclusion:

The study established that the low socioeconomic status of the respondents, the high number of pregnancies, the long distances to the health facility, and the lack of social support; negatively influenced the quality of life among pregnant mothers.

Recommendation:

The government of Uganda through the responsible ministries should work on improving the socio-economic status of the mothers and carrying out more sensitization about family planning among pregnant mothers.