ABSTRACT
Introduction: Despite various maternal and child health policies and programs in Nigeria, maternal and child mortality rate is still high.
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the correlation between maternal and newborn care practices and services in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State, Southern Nigeria.
Methodology: The study utilized a mixed method involving analytical cross-sectional design household survey in which 569 mother-child pairs of children aged 0-23 months were interviewed using pre-tested structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews were conducted among eight healthcare workers, while a checklist was used to assess the Primary HealthCare Centres they head in the core areas of human personnel, basic equipment, basic infrastructure, infection control and prevention, technical competence and trainings. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS statistical software version 25.0.
Results: The study revealed that of the total respondents, 539 (94.7%) utilized ANC services; 510 (89.6%) delivered in health institutions; 553 (97.2%) of mothers went for postnatal care (PNC) check-ups. Also, 290 (51.0%) of mothers had their babies placed on their chest after delivery, 261 (45.9%) of mothers bathed their babies hours after delivery, 528 (72.8%) had their babies wiped immediately. On cord care; 458 (86.9%) utilized methylated spirit while 13 (2.5%) used chlorhexidine gel. Also, 481 (84.5%) of mothers immunized their children and 491 (86.3%) utilized postnatal care services for their child. The most patronized places of care for mother and child were Primary HealthCare Centres (PHCs) and private hospitals. Formal education of mothers and their husbands, urban residency, household income of mothers, including early and multiple antenatal clinic attendance influenced delivery of their babies in health institutions and utilization of PNC for mother and child. The health care workers studied were skilled and competent in rendering qualitative maternal and childcare services in the PHCs. In addition, they have undergone training in diverse areas including emergency obstetric care, thermal care, prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, Integrated management of pregnancy and childbirth, exclusive breast feeding, manual removal of placenta and hygiene cord care. The PHCs assessed had adequate staff, basic equipment, perform most of the technical services but the state of infrastructure was on the average.
Conclusion: This study revealed high maternal care service utilization. Despite good utilization reported, barriers for non use were also identified. Further analysis showed that educational level of mother & spouse, socioeconomic status, early initiation of antenatal care, was positively associated with maternal care service utilization. Although the assessed facilities rendered qualitative maternal care services, improved infrastructures for the primary health centers will further strengthen their service delivery.
