Abstract
Socio–Demographic Data is a sensitive indicator used nationally and internationally to measure and compare the health and development status of the population. Access to care and early neonatal death rate are associated in maternal health around the time of delivery. Therefore, clinical antenatal care service before labor are important tool to identify the gaps/strength in this regards. The study was carried out to examine the extent of antenatalcare service utilization by women in riverine communities of Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. To achieve the objective of the study three (3) research question were formulated and tested at .05 alpha level of significance. A random sampling of 800 women of reproductive age were selected from seven (7) communities in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State formed the sample of the study. The data collected were analyzed using mean scores and independent t- test analysis for the research question raised. The result of the findings from research question 1 revealed that healthcare provider’s attitude influences the attitude of antenatal services by women. In research question 2 the findings indicated that location of health facilities affect utilization of antenatal care. Findings from research 3 revealed that maternal religion influence the utilization of Antenatal care services. Findings from hypothesis 4 revealed thatmarital status significantly influence the utilization of antenatal care by women. Above all, the study recommended among others that Government should update it’s official guidelines for antenatal care according to new standard promoted by World Health Organization. Also, improved transport and telecommunication facilities at health centers where such care is provided should be enhanced to strengthen accessibility of antenatal care.
Highlights
In Nigeria, as in most developing countries, women of reproductive age (WRA) constitute more than one- fifth of the total population
Findings from research question 1 reveal that Healthcare providers attitude influence the utilization of antenatal services
Research question 2 shows that the location of health facilities affect utilization of antenatal services
Summary
In Nigeria, as in most developing countries, women of reproductive age (WRA) constitute more than one- fifth of the total population. According to World Health Organization(2006) Women Reproductive Age are exposed repeatedly to the risk of pregnancy, continuous child bearing and the attendant morbidity mortality. UNICEF, (2015) a woman’s chance of dying from pregnancy and child birth in Nigeria is 1 in 13 and that 145 women of child bearing age die every single day to pregnancy related causes This makes the country the second contributors to maternal mortality rate in the world and the worst in Africa. Gupta (2007) Stated that health of a pregnant woman has been found to be significantly influenced by the utilization of antenatal care This is because antenatal care can help to identify those women who are at risk of complications during pregnancy and delivers, and ensuring that they obtain special attention in suitably equipped facilities. What is the influence of maternal martial status on the utilization of antenatal care by women in the communities?
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