Spatial location and utilization of maternal healthcare services by women in Niger East Senatorial Zone

Abstract

AJOL Abstract: Maternal healthcare remains a major challenge to the global public health system, especially in developing countries. Access to appropriate health care including skilled birth attendance at delivery and timely referrals to emergency obstetric care services can greatly reduce maternal deaths and disabilities, yet women in Niger East Senatorial continue to face limited access to skilled delivery services. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design using multi-stage sampling methods to achieve the required sample size of one thousand four hundred and forty-five (1,445) respondents. Questionnaires were administered to women of reproductive age (15-49 years), who are married. The respondents were selected from the sampled local government in Niger State. All the interviews were administered face-to-face ensuring 100% completion of the copies of the questionnaires. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was also used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that: socio-economic index, who takes decision on health matter and religion were determinants of access to maternal health service. Women in households with high socioeconomic index are more likely to access maternal health services than those in households with low socioeconomic index (p