FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN KWANDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE
Waroh, Joy Nguavese, Akpenpuun, Joyce Rumun, PhD,Starris-Onyema, Promise Nkwachi and Iornyagh, Benedict Terkaa
Volume 4 Issue 1
Abstract
Sub-Saharan African communities continue to face high rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality, highlighting the ongoing need for progress in the area of maternal and child healthcare services (MCHS). Within the Sub-Saharan African region, Nigeria consistently ranks among the nations exhibiting the most inadequate maternal health outcomes, characterized by a mortality ratio exceeding 1,047 per 100,000 live births in Nigeria. This study therefore, assessed the utilization and factors influencing the utilization of MCHS. The study was anchored on Andersen’s Health Care Utilisation model (1968) and employed a descriptive survey design, and the research population consisted of 347 women of reproductive age, aged between 15 and 49 years, who had given birth within the past five years. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, and data were collected through a self-designed questionnaire. The analysis was done with the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0. Study period was from May 2023 to September 2023. The results reveal that the MCHS was greatly utilized by mothers. The variables that had influence on MCHS utilization were patriarchal family values, proximity, cost of services, religious and cultural beliefs, quality of service, accessibility and family influence. There was no correlation between socio-demographic characteristics and utilization of MCHS. The study recommends that to enhance maternal and child health outcomes, it is essential to foster collaboration aimed at advancing girl-child education, enhancing the economic well-being of women in rural and semi-rural areas, and guaranteeing the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of maternal and child healthcare services to provide high-quality healthcare. Key Words: Factors, Utilization, Maternal, Child, Healthcare, Kwande, Benue
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