Main Article Content
Patterns and Determinants of Utilization of Maternal Health Services: Implications for Reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in South?East, Nigeria
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the patterns of utilization of Maternal Health Services (MHS), (antenatal clinic, delivery and post-natal services) and willingness to stay in a maternity waiting home (MWH) by women.
Methods: A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information from 393 adult women from rural and urban communities on their experiences at last pregnancy and delivery.
Findings: The majority of the women used MHS, and age, educational level, parity, social class and place of residence of the women statistically significantly explained this. Long waiting hours, perceived high cost of services, lack of drugs, negative staff attitude and inaccessibility, were the common reasons given for non-utilization of MHS.
Conclusion: Women use MHS when available. However, charges for MHS need to be subsidized, as many women do not use these services because they cannot afford them and MWHs should be made part of formal MHS, in order to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Key Words: Utilization, Maternal Health Services, Nigeria
Journal of College of Medicine Vol.9(1) 2004: 20-24
Methods: A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information from 393 adult women from rural and urban communities on their experiences at last pregnancy and delivery.
Findings: The majority of the women used MHS, and age, educational level, parity, social class and place of residence of the women statistically significantly explained this. Long waiting hours, perceived high cost of services, lack of drugs, negative staff attitude and inaccessibility, were the common reasons given for non-utilization of MHS.
Conclusion: Women use MHS when available. However, charges for MHS need to be subsidized, as many women do not use these services because they cannot afford them and MWHs should be made part of formal MHS, in order to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Key Words: Utilization, Maternal Health Services, Nigeria
Journal of College of Medicine Vol.9(1) 2004: 20-24
