Prevalence of home births and associated factors A Cross sectional study in Paicho Sub County, Gulu District, Northern Uganda
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Date
2026-10
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Publisher
Gulu University
Abstract
Background
Home births, prevalent globally at 28% pose significant risks, especially in countries that are under developed. The study focused on prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes of home births in Paicho Sub- County, Gulu District, Uganda.
Methods
Between March and May 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted among women who gave birth in the last 36 months. Data was collected using interview-guided questionnaires and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression in Stata version 14. Snowball sampling, non-probability sampling technique was used to recruit participants in the study.
Results
A total of 394 women with a mean age of 28 6.5 years were recruited. The prevalence of home births approximately 15%, (59/394), with 64% (38/59) attended to by traditional birth attendants 75% (296/394) attended ANC at least 4 or more times. Factors associated with home birth includes ANC attendance > 4 times (aOR-0.02, 95% CI: 0.007-0.029), p=0.002), previous home birth experience (aOR-2.67 (95% CI: 1.40-5.09), p=0.003), and availability of transport means, (aOR=4.87, (95% CI: 1.42-16.65), p=0.003), risks of complications among home birth vs. risk of complication among facility birth (33/59 vs. 40/335), including prolonged labor (31.8% vs. 5.6%), obstructed delivery (4.1% vs. 0.7%), there is higher number of referral among home birth compared to facilities birth (52.5% vs. 7.8%).
Conclusion
Study result show prevalence of home delivery is associated to high risk of complication with high rates of referrals. Promoting group ANC with comprehensive healthcare packages will equip mothers to reduce home births.
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Keywords
Home birth, skilled birth attendant