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
Social Support during Pregnancy among Pregnant Women in Ibadan, Nigeria (Published)
Pregnant women with low social support were reported to have symptoms of depression during and after pregnancy, and it has been established that this has implication on complication during child birth. This study aimed at examining the knowledge, attitude and perception of pregnant women about social support during pregnancy. A descriptive cross sectional research design was adopted and questionnaire with reliability 0.82 was used to gather data from 208 pregnant women selected through simple random sampling technique. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Findings revealed a good perception but negative attitude towards social support. There was a significant association between age and level of social support; marital status and level of social support; number of delivery and level of social support. Identified barriers to social support during pregnancy include poor family income, spouses’ nature of job and hospital policy.
Keywords: Antenatal Care, Childbirth., Maternal Health, Social Support, pregnancy