ABSTRACT Introduction: Maternal mortality is a huge public health problem in developing countries. Nigeria is a major contributor to the sub-Saharan maternal mortality rate. Increased utilization of antenatal and delivery services are proven strategies to improve maternal indices. Reluctance and refusal to access these services remain a public health concern. Perception of quality of care is one of the several factors that influence utilization of antenatal and delivery services. Objective: The study aimed to determine the perception of quality of care and utilization of antenatal and delivery services among women of childbearing age in Oshimili south L.G.A of Delta State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 301 women aged 15-49 years. These women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, perception of quality of care, utilization of antenatal and delivery services and factors that influence utilization were collected. Data was also collected using focus group discussions. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the results were analysed using SPSS. Results: The mean age of mothers was 32 years. Majority of the respondents were aged between 30-39 years 141 (46.8%), A greater percentage of the mothers were married 287 (95.3%) and had less than five (5) children. Most of them 227 (75.4%) were self-employed, while 22 (7.3%) and 40 (13.3%) were employed and housewives respectively. More than twofifths 170 (41%) completed secondary education, while 42 (14.0%) had only primary education. Majority 112 (42.9%) earned between 10,000 and 19,999 naira while only 17 (5.7%) earned 50,000 naira and above. x Most of the respondents had a good perception of technical competence of HCWs, safety consciousness of HCWs and effectiveness. Majority of them had a good perception of HCWs examination skills 148 (49.2%), monitoring of patient recovery 138 (47.4%), relevance of recommended drugs and tests 146 (48.5%), HCWs treatment 141 (46.8%), effectiveness of drugs 134 (44.5%), safety consciousness of HCW 132 (43.9%) and availability of prescribed drugs. Utilization was high as over ninety percent of them attended ANC and majority of them 251 (83.4%) delivered at healthcare facilities in a previous pregnancy. Significant barriers to access to ANC and delivery services include cost of services, attention from HCWs, long waiting time and attitude of healthcare workers. Conclusion: Perception of quality of care was varied across domains. It was good in domains of technical competence, safety, effectiveness, efficiency but it was poor in domains of waiting time, HCWs attitude. Utilization of antenatal and delivery services was also high in this group of women. A few however still used TBAs and some had home deliveries. Efforts should be made to address issues of waiting time and HCW attitude in order to enhance ANC and delivery services utilization. KEYWORDS: Antenatal Care, Delivery Services, Perception, Utilization, Delta State, Nigeria.
