Women Autonomy and the Use of Antenatal and Delivery Services in Nigeria

Abstract

The ability of a woman to make independent decision and appropriate action on her reproductive desires is dependent on her level of autonomy. This study was undertaken to determine whether the level of autonomy of Nigerian women influences the use of antenatal and delivery services. A quantitative cross-sectional study using the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) to determine whether an association exists between women’s autonomy and the appropriate use of prenatal and delivery services. A total of 22,556 women aged 15-49 years were recruited using a stratified two stage proportionate to size cluster sampling from all parts of Nigeria. About 43% of respondents indicated that they do not independently take decision on health issues relating to their health, are not allowed to venture out of their matrimonial homes without seeking for permission and have no income and thus categorized as having no any form of autonomy. North East and South West zones had the lowest (18%) and highest (62%) proportion of women with full autonomy). Women with full autonomy are more likely to use prenatal (unadjusted odd ratio=2.229; CI 2.094–2.373) and delivery (Unadjusted Odd Ratio=3.795; CI 3.523–4.088)) services as recommended compared to women with no any form of autonomy (Adjusted Odd Ratio=1.129; CI 1.117– 1.146; p