The relationship between financial decentralization and quality of maternal health services

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating Decentralisation policy implementation and quality of maternal health services in Kihiihi Town Council and Nyanga Sub county-Kanungu District. It was guided by three objectives namely. The objectives were; to determine the relationship between Political decentralization and the quality of maternal health services in Kihiihi town council and Nyanga Sub County - Kanungu district, to find out the relationship between financial decentralization and quality of maternal health services in Kihiihi town council and Nyanga Sub County - Kanungu district and to assess the relationship between administrative decentralization and quality of maternal health services in Kihiihi town council and Nyanga Sub County -Kanungu district. The study adopted descriptive crosssectional research and correlational designs on a sample of 235 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages mean, correlation and regression. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Inferential analysis results indicated that financial decentralisation had a strong positive significant relationship with quality of maternal health services. Therefore, it was concluded that financial decentralisation as components of decentralization policy implementation is essential for quality of maternal health services. Keywords: financial decentralization, maternal health services, women.