Patterns of delivery assistance among adolescent mothers in Nigeria

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study examined the sociodemographic and sociocultural factors associated with the pattern of birth assistance used among adolescent mothers aged 15–19 in Nigeria. DesignThe study used a quantitative design, using secondary data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2013. SettingThe study was nationally representative and conducted across Nigeria. ParticipantsA weighted sample of 2,096 adolescent mothers aged 15–19. Measurements and findingsData were analysed using frequencies, chi square tests and multinomial logistic regression respectively. It was discovered that mothers aged 18 and above had lower odds of using traditional and skilled birth attendants (aORs = 0.68 (0.51–0.92); 0.63 (0.44–0.92)); Igbo mothers had lower odds of using TBAs (aOR = 0.03 (0.002–0.53)); and mothers in female-headed households were less likely to use SBAs (aOR = 0.40 (0.20–0.82)). Rich mothers were more likely to use SBAs (aOR = 2.21 (1.23–3.94)). Mothers whose partners had at least primary education were more likely to use SBAs (aOR = 1.73 (1.09–2.73); 1.64 (1.03–2.59)). Adolescent mothers in the North East (aOR = 5.79 (2.91–11.51)), North West (aOR = 8.24 (4.01–16.93)), South East (aOR = 69.70 (13.96–348.05)) and South South (aOR = 27.84(7.80–99.30)) were more likely to use TBAs, while mothers in the North East (aOR = 0.46 (0.28–0.76)) and North West (aOR = 0.50 (0.29–0.84)) were less likely to use SBAs. Mothers who used partial ANC were more likely to use SBAs (aOR = 5.73 (3.43–9.56)), while those who used full ANC were more likely to use SBA (aOR = 7.33 (4.76–11.29)). Key conclusionsHigher socioeconomic status mothers were more likely to use skilled birth attendance.Implications for practice: Interventions to increase SBA use among adolescent mothers in Nigeria must consider the continued preference for traditional and unskilled birth attendants and unassisted births, and design culturally sensitive programmes.