Spatio-temporal analysis of reproductive health indicators in Nigeria

Abstract

Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being instead of absence of reproductive disease. It is a matter of universal concern and an important aspect of social development goals. Poor reproductive health outcomes are manifested in the rate of maternal mortality. Medical and socio economic factors that cause maternal deaths are preventable if there is access to adequate reproductive health services. However, access to health services itself is influenced by certain socio economic factors. Nigeria at present has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the developing world. The present study attempts to analyze few indicators that directly and indirectly influence the state of reproductive health in Nigeria. Reproductive health index have been computed with the help of relevant indicators (median age at first birth, antenatal care for most recent birth, antenatal care from a skilled provider, tetanus toxoid injection, percentage of delivery in a health facility, delivery by a skilled provider, postnatal checkup, current use of contraception and problems in accessing health care facility) to show state wise differential in reproductive health in Nigeria. Secondary data sources from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Survey (2008 and 2013) have been used to compute the index. The study reveals the change in reproductive health in the country.

Keywords: Reproductive health, maternal mortality, reproductive health index, antenatal care and postnatal checkup