Couple Relations, Decision-making Hierarchy and Use of Maternal Health Care in Rural Uganda

Abstract

Although social relations are often cited as important in improving maternal health, in Uganda, little attention has been directed at understanding how couple relations influence maternal health decision-making. The article presents results on the influence of men’s superior role in the allocation of family resources on maternal health care decision-making. Through a survey both men and women responded to questions on who makes and influences the decisions that affect women’s maternal health care. There were significant gender differences in decision making for purchase and sale of land, purchase of household items and gardening. Gender biased decision-making significantly affected the choice for number of children, skilled care at childbirth and women’s movement to visit family and friends. The study concludes that for postive maternal health behaviours, women need good relations with their spouses not only to gain support but as well access the resources which are controlled by men.