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FACTORS AFFECTING ATTENDANCE OF THE ANTENATAL AND POST- NATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

OKORIE-UFERE, Kate Ifeoma

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Abstract

Background:  Antenatal care (ANC), is sought by expectant mothers in order to protect both their unborn child's health and their own pregnancy. Early detection of problems in pregnancy leads to timely referrals for women in high-risk categories or with complications ANC may decrease newborn mortality by detecting pregnancies at high risk; Availability, affordability and easy access to health facilities where antenatal care is offered increase utilization of antenatal care. Cultural beliefs and practices about pregnancy will have influence on antenatal care use, in that it may lead to mothers attending antenatal care late or not even attending at all

Objective: This study aims to assess factors affecting attendance of women of reproductive age at the antenatal and post- natal care services in southwestern Nigeria.

Methodology: The study was cross sectional study design. Questionnaires were administered using multistage sampling techniques among selected adults between the age range of 15 to 49 years. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaire, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 and presented using appropriate tables. Level of significance set at P<0.05.

Result: Majority of respondents are aged 25-34 years 55.4%, 55.8% utilize government clinics for maternal health services, making it the most utilized type of health facility, 83.7% reported receiving medical care after delivery, while 12.7% did not, socio demographic of the participants based on age, religion and education shows a significant association with utilization of ANC and post- natal care services, 88.6% consistently take their babies for immunization, underscoring high overall compliance with the immunization schedule.

Conclusion: The study found that respondents have good knowledge and attitude towards antenatal care services, but education and socio-demographic factors need to be considered to improve awareness. Innovative prevention programs for women and pregnant women are needed to motivate high-risk individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle, undergo routine medical check-ups, and participate in adequate antenatal care utilization.

Keywords: Awareness, Utilization, Practice, Antenatal care and Delivery