Factors influencing use of antenatal care and delivery services in Gwagwalada Area Council, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Complications due to pregnancy and labour are among the leading causes of death and disability in women of child-bearing age in developing countries ( World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, UNFPA and World Bank, 2010 ). The provision and utilisation of antenatal and delivery services aim to decrease Nigeria's high maternal mortality rate. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the use of these services in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. Method: This descriptive study was conducted over 6 weeks. The study involved 230 women aged 15–49 years whose recent birth was within the previous year prior to the survey. A 45-item structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: The majority of the women (94.2%) received antenatal care at an approved health care facility. Sixty-four percent registered for antenatal care during the second trimester while 66.7% attended antenatal care ≥four times. Eighty-four percent of the respondents received all the recommended antenatal care. Delivery services in the health facilities were used by 87.0% of participants—12.0% delivered at home. The husbands' educational level and occupation positively affected the pattern of use of these services P<0.05. Perceived importance of antenatal care, attitude of health workers and cost of care were the most important factors that influenced service use. Conclusion: The utilisation of these services needs to be sustained by improving the socioeconomic status of partners; improving the attitude of the health providers and subsidising the cost of antenatal and delivery services.