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ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN TOWARD HOME DELIVERY IN YARKUFOJI BAKURA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ZAMFARA STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge levels of reproductive-age women towards home delivery in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents. The data were presented and analyzed using SPSS27, with statistical tests, including t-tests, employed to test the hypotheses stated. The findings revealed significant associations between socioeconomic status, perceptions of safety and benefits, and knowledge levels regarding home delivery, and women’s preferences for home delivery. Socioeconomic status emerged as a significant predictor, highlighting the influence of economic factors on women’s childbirth practices. Perceptions of safety and benefits also played a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of addressing misconceptions and promoting institutional deliveries as a safer option for maternal and neonatal health. Additionally, higher levels of education were associated with greater awareness of the risks associated with home delivery, underscoring the role of education in shaping knowledge levels and healthcare decision-making among women in the community. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing maternal healthcare practices among reproductive-age women in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-cultural, economic, and educational barriers to promote safe childbirth practices and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the community. Based on the findings, recommendations are proposed, including enhancing access to institutional delivery services, implementing health education programs, addressing socioeconomic barriers, strengthening community engagement, improving the quality of maternal healthcare services, expanding educational opportunities, conducting regular health campaigns, and monitoring and evaluating interventions. These recommendations aim to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders in developing targeted strategies to promote safe childbirth practices and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the study area.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

The issue of home delivery among reproductive-age women in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria, presents a critical concern within the realm of maternal and child health (Michael et al., 2020). Home delivery, defined as childbirth occurring outside of formal healthcare facilities, typically within the confines of one’s home, remains prevalent in such regions (Shafqat et al., 2015). Cultural, socioeconomic, and infrastructural factors contribute significantly to the persistence of this practice in Zamfara State, where access to healthcare facilities may be limited, and traditional beliefs surrounding childbirth prevail (Al Hamazi et al., 2017). Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of reproductive-age women towards home delivery is crucial for designing effective interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes (Uzma Eram & Anees, 2022).

The prevalence of home delivery poses considerable risks to the health and well-being of mothers and newborns in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State (Lilungulu et al., 2016). Factors such as inadequate prenatal care, lack of skilled birth attendants, and limited access to emergency obstetric care contribute to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with home deliveries (Weldemariam et al., 2018). Additionally, misconceptions about the safety and benefits of home delivery may deter women from seeking institutional care (Ibrahim et al., 2022). Thus, addressing these barriers and promoting institutional deliveries is paramount for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates in the region (Nahom et al., 2019).

Reproductive-age women’s attitudes towards home delivery are influenced by a myriad of factors, including cultural norms, traditional birthing practices, and previous childbirth experiences (Rosliza & Muhamad, 2021). While some women may perceive home delivery as a symbol of strength and cultural identity, others may view it as a necessity due to financial constraints or geographical barriers (Jibril, 2017). Moreover, fear of mistreatment or disrespect by healthcare providers in institutional settings may further deter women from seeking facility-based deliveries (Patel et al., 2016). Thus, interventions aimed at promoting institutional deliveries must address these multifaceted determinants of women’s decision-making processes (Laishram et al., 2021).

Perceptions regarding the safety and benefits of home delivery play a crucial role in shaping women’s preferences for childbirth practices in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State (Ghilagabr, 2017). While some women may believe that home deliveries offer greater privacy and autonomy, others may be unaware of the potential complications and risks associated with unattended births (Communicable Diseases Division, MOH, Eritrea, 2023). Therefore, efforts to increase awareness about the importance of skilled birth attendance and the availability of emergency obstetric care are essential for dispelling misconceptions and encouraging women to seek institutional deliveries (Annual report of Massawa subzone, 2018).

1.2       Statement of Problem

The prevalence of home delivery among reproductive-age women in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria, underscores a critical gap in maternal and child health services (Lilungulu et al., 2016). Despite efforts to promote institutional deliveries, a significant proportion of women continue to opt for home births, exposing themselves and their newborns to increased risks of morbidity and mortality (Weldemariam et al., 2018). This persistent practice highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the preference for home delivery over facility-based care (Rosliza & Muhamad, 2021).

One of the primary gaps in the existing literature pertains to the socio-cultural determinants shaping women’s attitudes and perceptions towards home delivery in the study area (Jibril, 2017). While some studies have explored the role of cultural norms and traditional birthing practices, there remains a lack of comprehensive research examining the nuanced socio-cultural factors influencing women’s decision-making processes regarding childbirth practices (Patel et al., 2016). Understanding these factors is crucial for developing culturally sensitive interventions aimed at promoting institutional deliveries and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes (Laishram et al., 2021).

Furthermore, there is limited research on the specific barriers hindering women’s access to and utilization of maternal healthcare services in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State (Ghilagabr, 2017). While studies have identified financial constraints, lack of transportation, and distance to healthcare facilities as common barriers, there is a need for context-specific research to elucidate the unique challenges faced by women in the study area (Communicable Diseases Division, MOH, Eritrea, 2023). Additionally, the role of healthcare provider attitudes and practices in shaping women’s perceptions of facility-based care remains understudied (Annual report of Massawa subzone, 2018). Investigating these barriers is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve access to and utilization of maternal healthcare services in the region (National Statistics Office, 2021).

 

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this study were:

1. To explore the factors influencing reproductive-age women’s attitudes towards home delivery in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
2. To examine the perceptions of reproductive-age women regarding the safety and benefits of home delivery in the study area.
3. To assess the knowledge levels of reproductive-age women regarding the risks associated with home delivery in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

1.4       Research Questions

1. What are the primary factors influencing reproductive-age women’s attitudes towards home delivery in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State?
2. How do reproductive-age women perceive the safety and benefits of home delivery in the study area?
3. What are the knowledge levels of reproductive-age women regarding the risks associated with home delivery in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State?

1.5       Research Hypotheses

1. There is no significant association between socioeconomic status and the preference for home delivery among reproductive-age women in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
2. Women who perceive home delivery as safe and beneficial are not more likely to opt for it over institutional delivery in the study area.
3. Reproductive-age women with higher levels of education do not exhibit greater awareness of the risks associated with home delivery in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

1.6       Significance of the Study

This study holds significant implications for maternal and child health interventions in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State. By elucidating the attitudes and perceptions of reproductive-age women towards home delivery, the findings can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at promoting institutional deliveries and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Additionally, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on factors influencing maternal healthcare-seeking behavior in resource-constrained settings.

1.7       Scope of the Study

This study focused specifically on reproductive-age women residing in Yarkufoji, Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The research explored their attitudes and perceptions towards home delivery, with an emphasis on factors influencing their decision-making process. The study did not encompass other regions within Zamfara State or consider perspectives from healthcare providers or community leaders.