Quality of reproductive health care in Nigeria: A critical appraisal

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive Health is a concept that caters for the complete health of humans from conception to the grave. Currently, the concept has undergone an expansion of its scope beyond the elimination of mortality and physical morbidity:
Methods: Issues such as respect for women's autonomy; rights, preferences, dignity and right to informed choice, as well as shared decision-making process were brought under the spotlight. The quality of reproductive health services available in a nation reflect on the overall health of the citizens and assesses the relationship between the three key components of health care, including the Client, Healthcare providers, and the relationship between the two. Indeed, the technical aspect of medical practice (diagnosis and treatment) is as important as the human, physical and the contextual setting in which the health care service is rendered. Developing countries like Nigeria must start to look beyond addressing morbidity and mortality in quantitative forms and consider the mental and psychological wellbeing of their citizens as well.
Outcome: The Structures, Processes and Outcomes of reproductive health care in Nigeria were critically appraised, and suggestions for improvement were made as appropriate in this article.

Keywords: Quality of care; Reproductive health; Maternal mortality; Maternal morbidity; Standards of care.