Modeling Drivers of Maternal Healthcare Services Utilization in Kilosa District, Tanzania: Evidence From Multivariate Probit Analysis

Maternal healthcare utilization is a critical determinant of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Yet, many women in low‐resource settings fail to access essential services such as antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), and skilled birth attendance (SBA). This study employed a multivariate probit (MVP) model to examine the determinants of maternal health service utilization in a sample of 384 mothers, accounting for the potential interdependence among ANC, PNC, and SBA. This study examines how the CHW approach affects maternal attitudes toward healthcare utilization and identifies predictors of access to high‐quality and affordable maternal healthcare. A mixed‐methods design employing multistage sampling was used to survey 384 women who had delivered within the past 2 years. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and probit regression models. Results indicate that married women are significantly more likely to attend at least four antenatal and postnatal visits than their unmarried counterparts. Proximity to health facilities enhances service access, while higher household wealth increases the likelihood of visiting healthcare providers. Media exposure has a positive and statistically significant ( p < 0.05) effect on maternal healthcare‐seeking behavior. Community health workers (CHWs) positively influence maternal health outcomes through strong collaborative networks and continuity of care. Key determinants of healthcare utilization include marital status, geographic accessibility, wealth, and media exposure. Significant positive correlations among the error terms for ANC, PNC, and SBA suggest complementarities in maternal healthcare utilization, highlighting the importance of integrated interventions. Despite resource constraints, CHWs remain resilient and effective in improving maternal health outcomes when supported through intersectoral collaboration and sustained community engagement.