FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE UTILIZATION OF MATERNAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN OVIA NORTH- EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE.

Abstract

This study focuses on why in a country like Nigeria where the fertility rate is very high, issues around women and reproductive health care should never be taken for granted because of the implications on national population health and productivity. This study therefore, investigated predictors of Antenatal care (ANC), skilled delivery and postnatal care in two metropolis- Oluku and Okada in Ovia North-East of Edo State. A household survey was conducted using purposive sampling technique. Self-structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from 342 women within the reproductive age i.e. 15-49 years. Descriptive statistics, maternal behavior, binary logistic regression were analyzed using STATA 15.1 statistical package. The findings of the research revealed that the women had positive attitude towards maternal care behavior. Approximately 90% went for ANC checkup. 77.2% had skilled delivery, and 76% went for postnatal checkup. Furthermore, 64% and 63% respectively made early ANC visits and adequate number of ANC visits. Who pays for health expenditure, spousal employment difference, mode of transportation and satisfaction with care in health facilities were the significant predictors of Antenatal care. Skilled delivery was significantly influenced by employment status, distance to health facility, Antenatal care visits, timing of ANC visits and adequate number of ANC visits. Postnatal care was significantly influenced by maternal age, income level, who pays for health bill, adequacy of ANC visits and skilled delivery. There was interdependency among the various levels of care as lower levels of care significantly influence high levels. The study concluded that maternal care behaviour in the study is high and impressive. Efforts should be made to sustain the positive maternal care behavior through education and awareness creation