Factors Influencing the Uptake of Skilled Birth Attendants among Pregnant Women in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State (Published)
This study investigated the factors influencing the uptake of skilled birth attendants among pregnant women in Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the relationship between the utilisation of skilled birth attendants and selected socio-demographic characteristics, namely age, marital status, educational level, and parity. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, with 200 pregnant women recruited through a convenient sampling technique from antenatal clinics in Ogharefe, Oghareki 1, Oghareki 2, Jesse, and Mosogar. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts and administered by trained research assistants. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to test the hypotheses at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aged 30–39 years, married, and relatively well educated. Educational attainment emerged as a significant determinant of the uptake of skilled birth attendants (χ² = 22.427, p < 0.001), while marital status also showed a significant association (χ² = 8.630, p = 0.035). In contrast, age (χ² = 4.303, p = 0.231) and parity (χ² = 3.311, p = 0.652) were not significantly associated with skilled delivery care. These results suggest that maternal education and marital dynamics play crucial roles in influencing delivery choices, while age and previous childbirth experience are less decisive. The study concludes that improving female education, enhancing awareness of safe delivery practices, and engaging family decision-makers are key strategies to promote the utilisation of skilled birth attendants, thereby contributing to safer maternal outcomes.
Keywords: Age, Education, Marital Status, Maternal Health, Parity, Skilled birth attendants
Demographic Differences in the Knowledge of Breast Cancer among Women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria (Published)
Breast cancer is the most common of all cancers and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide, a condition that may be predicated upon by lack of knowledge about fundamental regimen necessary for cancer prevention. The study was therefore designed to determine demographic differences in the knowledge of breast cancer among women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The sample of the study comprised 1,845 women drawn through the multistage sampling procedure. A 40-item questionnaire was used to elicit information on knowledge symptoms, risk factors, prevention methods and treatment options of cancer. Descriptive statistic of percentage was used to answer the research question and inferential statistic of chi-square was used to test the entire hypotheses formulated for the study at an alpha level of 0.05. Knowledge of breast cancer was found to be on the average (48.72%); differed by age with younger women (35-44years 56.43%) reporting higher knowledge of breast cancer than the older ones (45-54 years 46.03%); women with post-secondary education (67.66%) had higher knowledge than those with secondary (60.16%), primary (49.03%) and non-formal education (39.01%); urban women (55.61%) were more knowledgeable than rural women (47.81%). Chi-square analysis indicated that significant association existed between level of education and knowledge of breast cancer. However, no significant association was found between age and location of residence. It was concluded that breast cancer knowledge of women in Ebonyi State is on the average and associated significantly with education, but not with age and location of residence of the women. Consequently, it is recommended that breast cancer education should be used to improve the women’s knowledge of the disease, especially for those with non-formal education, older women and those in the rural areas through interventions by government and non-governmental agencies and through curriculum revision for schools
Keywords: Age, Breast cancer, Education, Knowledge, Location, Risk Factors, Women