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KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF SAFE MOTHERHOOD AMONG WOMEN RECEIVING ANTE NATAL CARE IN UBTH EDO STATE NIGERIA
Abstract
Maternal health remains a significant global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where maternal mortality rates are disproportionately high. Antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in promoting safe motherhood practices and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study focuses on assessing the quality and accessibility of ANC services at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo State, Nigeria, and exploring factors influencing ANC utilization among pregnant women. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, to gather comprehensive insights into maternal healthcare experiences and perceptions. A total of 50 pregnant women receiving ANC services at UBTH participated in the study. Demographic information, including marital status, educational level, monthly income, and residence, was collected to understand the socio-economic background of the participants. Findings from the study reveal positive perceptions of the quality and accessibility of ANC services at UBTH, with the majority of respondents rating the services as excellent or good. Most participants initiated ANC visits during the first trimester of pregnancy, reflecting adherence to recommended guidelines for early ANC initiation. Factors influencing ANC utilization include proximity to healthcare facilities, cost of services, availability of transportation, recommendation from healthcare providers, and advice from family or friends. Furthermore, the study explores pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding safe motherhood practices, including dietary habits, medication adherence, and the preference for skilled birth attendants during delivery. The majority of respondents exhibited positive attitudes towards safe motherhood practices, with a high preference for skilled birth attendants during delivery. Additionally, most participants reported always adhering to prescribed medications during pregnancy, demonstrating a commitment to maternal health and medication compliance. The findings of this study have several implications for maternal healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Continuous efforts are needed to improve the quality and accessibility of ANC services, address barriers to ANC utilization, and promote safe motherhood practices among pregnant women. Health education and promotion campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and collaborations with stakeholders are essential strategies for enhancing maternal healthcare outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into maternal healthcare experiences and perceptions among pregnant women attending ANC services at UBTH. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing evidence-based interventions, healthcare providers and policymakers can contribute to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality rates in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Childbirth is a significant event in the life of a woman and her family, marking the beginning of a new chapter. However, this period also presents substantial risks, particularly in regions with limited access to quality healthcare services. In Nigeria, maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with approximately 512 deaths per 100,000 live births reported in 2018 (World Bank, 2020). The vast majority of these deaths are preventable, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to promote safe motherhood practices.
Antenatal care (ANC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children. ANC services encompass a range of interventions, including health education, screening for complications, and provision of essential care and support. Adequate utilization of ANC services has been associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, including reduced risk of complications during childbirth and lower rates of maternal mortality (WHO, 2016).
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), located in Edo State, Nigeria, serves as a major healthcare facility in the region, catering to the needs of a diverse population. Despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare services, challenges persist in ensuring universal access to quality ANC services. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited availability of skilled healthcare providers, and socio-cultural barriers contribute to suboptimal utilization of ANC services among women in the region (Fagbamigbe et al., 2018).
Understanding the factors influencing safe motherhood practices and the effects of ANC utilization on maternal and neonatal health outcomes is essential for developing targeted interventions to address the existing gaps in maternal healthcare services. By conducting an in-depth assessment of safe motherhood practices among women receiving ANC at UBTH, valuable insights can be gained into the barriers and facilitators of ANC utilization in the region.
Furthermore, examining the impact of ANC services on maternal and neonatal health outcomes will provide evidence to support the importance of investing in maternal healthcare infrastructure and interventions. By identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based strategies, it is possible to enhance the quality and coverage of ANC services, ultimately reducing maternal mortality rates and improving the health outcomes of women and children in Edo State, Nigeria.
In light of the above considerations, this study seeks to assess safe motherhood practices and their effects on women receiving ANC at UBTH, Edo State, Nigeria. By exploring the experiences, perceptions, and challenges faced by pregnant women accessing ANC services, this research aims to generate actionable recommendations for strengthening maternal healthcare delivery and promoting safe motherhood practices in the region.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Maternal mortality rates in Nigeria remain alarmingly high, with approximately 512 deaths per 100,000 live births reported in 2018 (World Bank, 2020). Despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare services, access to quality antenatal care (ANC) remains a challenge for many women, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Edo State. Limited access to ANC services and suboptimal utilization of available services contribute to adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes, including preventable maternal deaths and complications during childbirth.
Moreover, cultural beliefs, socio-economic factors, and healthcare infrastructure constraints further exacerbate the barriers to accessing and utilizing ANC services among women in Edo State (Fagbamigbe et al., 2018). These challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive assessment of safe motherhood practices and their effects on women receiving ANC at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Therefore, the overarching problem addressed by this study is the inadequate utilization of ANC services and its impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes among women in Edo State, Nigeria. By identifying the factors influencing ANC utilization and assessing the effects of safe motherhood practices on maternal and neonatal health, this study aims to generate evidence-based recommendations to improve the delivery and utilization of ANC services in UBTH and similar healthcare settings in the region.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the quality and accessibility of antenatal care (ANC) services provided at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
- To assess the utilization of ANC services among pregnant women attending UBTH, including factors influencing attendance, frequency of visits, and timing of initiation of ANC.
- To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women regarding safe motherhood practices, including dietary habits, medication adherence, and utilization of skilled birth attendants.
1.4 Research Questions
- What are the quality and accessibility of antenatal care (ANC) services provided at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)?.
- What are the utilization of ANC services among pregnant women attending UBTH, including factors influencing attendance, frequency of visits, and timing of initiation of ANC?.
- What are the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women regarding safe motherhood practices, including dietary habits, medication adherence, and utilization of skilled birth attendants?.
1.5 Research Hypotheses
(HO): There is no significant difference in the quality and accessibility of antenatal care (ANC) services provided at UBTH compared to recommended standards.
(HI): There is a significant difference in the quality and accessibility of antenatal care (ANC) services provided at UBTH compared to recommended standards.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study refers to the boundaries within which the research will be conducted, including the specific aspects, population, timeframe, and geographical location covered. For the assessment of safe motherhood practices and their effects on women receiving antenatal care in UBTH, Edo State, Nigeria, the scope of the study can be defined as follows:
Geographical Scope:
The study will be conducted exclusively within the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. No other healthcare facilities or regions will be included.
Population:
The study will target pregnant women who are receiving antenatal care (ANC) services at UBTH during the study period.
Healthcare providers involved in delivering ANC services at UBTH will also be included in the study.
Timeframe:
The study will be conducted over a specific period determined by the research timeline and available resources.
Data collection, analysis, and reporting will be completed within the designated timeframe.
Aspects Covered:
The study will focus on assessing various aspects related to safe motherhood practices and ANC utilization, including the quality and accessibility of ANC services, maternal health behaviors, socio-economic factors influencing ANC utilization, and maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Factors influencing ANC utilization and the effects of ANC services on maternal and neonatal health outcomes will be examined comprehensively.
1.7 Significance of the Study
The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to the improvement of maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Edo State, Nigeria, particularly within the context of antenatal care (ANC) services provided at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Here are six paragraphs highlighting the significance of the study:
Addressing High Maternal Mortality Rates: Nigeria continues to grapple with unacceptably high maternal mortality rates, with approximately 512 deaths per 100,000 live births reported in 2018 (World Bank, 2020). By assessing safe motherhood practices and ANC utilization at UBTH, this study has the potential to identify key factors contributing to maternal mortality and develop targeted interventions to address these challenges.
Informing Healthcare Policy and Practice: The findings of this study can inform healthcare policies and practices aimed at improving maternal healthcare delivery in Edo State and beyond. By identifying gaps in ANC services and barriers to utilization, policymakers can implement evidence-based strategies to strengthen maternal healthcare infrastructure, enhance service provision, and promote safe motherhood practices.
Enhancing Quality of ANC Services: Understanding the quality and accessibility of ANC services provided at UBTH is crucial for enhancing the overall quality of maternal healthcare delivery. By identifying areas for improvement, such as service availability, provider-patient communication, and facility infrastructure, healthcare providers can implement interventions to enhance the quality of ANC services and improve patient outcomes.
Empowering Pregnant Women: Pregnant women are key stakeholders in maternal healthcare delivery, and their perspectives and experiences are invaluable for informing healthcare decision-making. By exploring the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women regarding ANC services at UBTH, this study empowers women to voice their healthcare needs and preferences, ultimately leading to more patient-centered care.
Reducing Health Inequities: Access to quality maternal healthcare services is essential for reducing health inequities and promoting health equity among diverse population groups. This study aims to identify socio-economic, cultural, and healthcare infrastructure barriers to ANC utilization, particularly among marginalized communities, and develop targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Contributing to Global Health Efforts: Improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes is a priority for global health efforts, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By generating evidence on safe motherhood practices and ANC utilization in Edo State, Nigeria, this study contributes to global efforts to reduce maternal mortality and achieve SDG targets related to maternal and child health.
In summary, the significance of this study extends beyond the local context of Edo State, Nigeria, to have broader implications for maternal healthcare delivery, health policy, and global health efforts aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes worldwide.
1.8 Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and consistency in understanding the terminology used in the study of safe motherhood practices and antenatal care in UBTH, Edo State, Nigeria, the following key terms are defined:
Antenatal Care (ANC): Antenatal care refers to the healthcare services provided to pregnant women before childbirth, typically including medical check-ups, screenings, counseling, and education on pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
Safe Motherhood Practices: Safe motherhood practices encompass a range of interventions and behaviors aimed at promoting the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children, including adequate nutrition, regular prenatal check-ups, access to skilled birth attendants, and timely access to emergency obstetric care.
Maternal Mortality: Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.