Improving Maternal Health Outcomes through Accessible Portable Obstetric Ultrasound Services in Rural Kenya

Peter Cynthiah Ann Njeri, Jonathan Ang’ani Omuchesi & Violet Nekesa Simiyu
Department of Social Sciences and Development Studies
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Email: cynthiahpeter64@gmail.com

Abstract: Portable obstetric ultrasound has emerged as an important innovation for improving maternal healthcare in resource-constrained settings, yet evidence on how service accessibility influences maternal health outcomes in Kenya remains limited. This study examined the effect of accessibility to portable obstetric ultrasound services on maternal health outcomes among pregnant women attending Malindi Sub-County Hospital, Kilifi County. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed involving 370 pregnant women, 10 healthcare providers and 15 community health promoters. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed that accessibility to portable obstetric ultrasound services was generally high (M = 3.80, SD = 1.02), characterised by good geographical proximity, awareness, provider support and routine utilisation. However, affordability and waiting time remained important barriers. Accessibility significantly predicted maternal health outcomes (β = 0.642, p < 0.05), explaining 41.2% of the observed variation (R² = 0.412). Improving affordability, workforce capacity and service availability is essential for maximising maternal health benefits in rural Kenya.