A STUDY OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR MATERNAL UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN MAKARFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the factors influencing maternal healthcare utilization among pregnant women in Makarfi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Maternal healthcare services, which include antenatal care (ANC), skilled delivery services, and postnatal care (PNC), are crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite the availability of these services, many women in rural areas like Makarfi still face significant challenges in accessing and utilizing them. This study identifies the socio-economic, cultural, and health system-related factors that contribute to low maternal healthcare utilization in the region. The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 50 pregnant women in Makarfi LGA. Data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the influence of various factors on healthcare utilization. The findings revealed that while most respondents attended antenatal care, there was a notable decline in postnatal care usage. Key barriers to healthcare utilization included financial constraints, long distances to healthcare facilities, lack of transportation, and cultural beliefs favoring traditional birth attendants (TBAs) over formal healthcare providers. Additionally, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to skilled health professionals were significant challenges. The study concludes that addressing socio-economic barriers, improving healthcare infrastructure, and promoting cultural shifts toward formal healthcare are essential for improving maternal healthcare utilization in Makarfi. Recommendations include enhancing transportation options, providing financial incentives for healthcare access, and launching community-based education campaigns to increase awareness of the benefits of skilled maternal care. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing maternal healthcare utilization in rural Nigeria and offer policy recommendations aimed at improving access to quality maternal health services for women in Makarfi LGA.
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