Factors associated with the use of traditional birth attendants in Nigeria: A secondary analysis of 2013 Nigeria national demography and health survey

Abstract

Background: A large number of women in Africa deliver without skilled birth attendants with profound consequences for maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study evaluated the factors associated with traditional birth attendants in Nigeria. Methodology: We conducted a weighted analysis of data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that included women aged 15–49 years using STATA software, version 12.0 SE (Stata Corporation, TX, USA) to investigate the factors associated with the utilization of traditional birth attendants in Nigeria using logistic regression models. The result was presented in odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The rate of delivery with Ttaditional birth attendants among the respondents was 23.4% (n = 7,267), and this was significantly associated with low maternal education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.75;95% CI: 1.49–2.06), rural residence (aOR: 1.3 95% CI: 1.12–1.51), poor family wealth index (aOR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09–1.54), unemployed status (aOR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.50–6.03), and having >5 living children (aOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06–1.44). Factors that significantly reduced the rate include age category 35–44 years (aOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.98), having visited a health facility in the past 12 months (aOR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.98), and watching television at once a week (aOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.88). Conclusion: The risk factors for delivery with traditional birth attendants in Nigeria include low maternal education, large family size, rural residence, and noninvolvement of women in decision about their health care while exposure to media and contact with a health facility reduced the risk. Women empowerment through education and employment may reduce the rate of use of traditional birth attendants at delivery.