Perceived Factors Influencing the Choice of Antenatal Care and Delivery Centres among Childbearing Women In Ibadan North South-Western, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the supposed factors apart from socioeconomic influencing the choice of antenatal care and delivery centres among childbearing women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were obtained through the administration of two hundred and thirty-one (231) copies of structured questionnaire to childbearing women in four antenatal centres normally utilized in the area. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The Chi Square result indicated that awareness of ANC significantly influenced place of delivery (p<0.05), while the result of Pearson’s correlation indicated a low negative and insignificant association between distance and utilization of ANC and delivery services (r-Value = -0.04, p>0.05). The study revealed that husband’s decision or preference of ANC and privacy constituted the prominent factors that influenced the choice of ANC as well as place of delivery. It further revealed that the highest patronage of ANC and delivery centres was achieved with distance of <5km, while the lowest patronage was achieved when the approximate distance was > 10km. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that husbands should be encouraged and educated on the need to give their wives free hand in deciding places of ANC and delivery centres.

Keywords: Antenatal Care, Utilization, Socioeconomic Characteristics, Childbearing Women