Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Anastasia Gage, PhD, Department of International Health and Development/SPHTM, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-988-3647, agage@tulane.edu

Although inadequate prenatal care and delivery care have been associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes, analyses of factors associated with poor maternity care in sub-Saharan Africa using nationally representative samples are scarce. The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with the utilization of maternal health services in Nigeria. The data are derived from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, a two-stage nationally representative sample of women aged 15-49 years. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data and information on the timing and content of prenatal care, number of prenatal visits, place of delivery and type of attendant for the last live birth in the past five years, and factors preventing women from using health services. Results, based on logistic regression models, indicate that poverty, lack of education, and residence in the northeast and northwest regions were associated with non-receipt of recommended antenatal or delivery care. Significant barriers to maternity care included not knowing where to go, distance to a health facility and concerns about the lack of a female provider. Women were significantly less likely to deliver at a health facility or with the assistance of a trained health professional if decisions about their health care were husband-dominated.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify personal and structural reasons for the non-utilization of medical care during pregnancy and delivery.
• Recognize the importance of gender issues for women’s access to maternity care.

Keywords: Barriers to Care, Health Care Utilization

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation