Determinants of Choice of Health Care Services Among Pregnant Women in Etche Local Government Area of River State
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
Pregnancy represents a critical phase in a woman’s life, necessitating comprehensive healthcare services to guarantee a safe and optimal outcome for both the mother and child. Access to quality healthcare during pregnancy plays a pivotal role in mitigating maternal and infant mortality rates globally. Studies have shown that factors such as socio-economic status, cultural beliefs, geographical location, and healthcare infrastructure significantly influence pregnant women’s decisions regarding healthcare services (Envuladu et al., 2023). In Nigeria, particularly in rural areas like Etche Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, pregnant women encounter substantial challenges in accessing suitable healthcare services due to these multifaceted determinants.
The socio-economic status of pregnant women plays a crucial role in determining their access to adequate healthcare during pregnancy. Research conducted in Enugu, Nigeria, found that formal maternal education positively influences the utilization of maternity services, indicating a link between education and healthcare-seeking behaviour (Ikeako et al., 2020). This highlights the importance of education in empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being during pregnancy. However, disparities in income levels and access to resources can also hinder pregnant women’s ability to access quality healthcare services, especially in resource-constrained settings like rural areas.
Cultural beliefs and practices also significantly impact pregnant women’s choice of healthcare services. A study conducted in urban Ghana revealed that women’s perceived satisfaction with antenatal care is influenced by cultural factors such as beliefs about traditional healing practices and preferences for specific healthcare providers (Akowuah & Danquah, 2019). Similarly, in Nigeria, cultural norms and beliefs surrounding pregnancy and childbirth can influence women’s decisions regarding prenatal care and delivery options. Understanding and addressing these cultural factors are essential for designing culturally sensitive and effective maternal healthcare programs.
Geographical location and healthcare infrastructure are additional determinants that affect pregnant women’s access to healthcare services. Studies in Kenya and Zambia have shown that women residing in urban slums or rural areas face challenges in accessing health facilities for childbirth services due to limited infrastructure and distance barriers (Atahigwa et al., 2020; Hazemba & Siziya, year). Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including the availability of skilled healthcare providers and essential medical supplies, can hinder timely and appropriate maternal healthcare interventions, leading to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Addressing these determinants requires a multi-faceted approach that involves improving healthcare infrastructure, promoting education and awareness, and addressing cultural barriers. Strategies such as investing in primary healthcare facilities, training skilled birth attendants, implementing community-based education programs, and engaging communities in healthcare decision-making can help enhance access to quality maternal healthcare services (Gopal et al., 2020; Almeida & José, 2020). Additionally, policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparities and promoting women’s empowerment can have a positive impact on maternal and child health outcomes (Akeju et al., 2020).
Consequently, ensuring access to quality healthcare services during pregnancy is crucial for promoting maternal and child health. Understanding the determinants that influence pregnant women’s choices regarding healthcare services, including socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, geographical location, and healthcare infrastructure, is essential for designing targeted interventions and policies to improve maternal and child health outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings like rural areas in Nigeria. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders are necessary to address these determinants comprehensively and achieve better maternal and child health outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
In current research on determinants of healthcare service choice among pregnant women in rural areas like Etche Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria, several gaps persist.
Existing studies have identified the impact of socio-economic factors on healthcare-seeking behaviour among pregnant women (Ikeako et al., 2020). However, there is a need for a more specific exploration of which socio-economic indicators significantly affect healthcare service choice in rural Nigerian settings like Etche LGA.
While cultural beliefs and practices have been acknowledged as crucial determinants of healthcare utilization during pregnancy (Akowuah & Danquah, 2019), there is limited research focusing on the unique cultural factors prevalent in Etche LGA and their direct influence on pregnant women’s healthcare decision-making processes.
Geographical location and healthcare infrastructure have been recognized as significant determinants of healthcare access (Atahigwa et al., 2020; Hazemba & Siziya, year). Still, there is a lack of in-depth studies examining the specific challenges faced by pregnant women in rural areas like Etche LGA, including transportation barriers, availability of skilled healthcare providers, and the quality of healthcare services.
Furthermore, existing research has primarily focused on individual-level determinants such as education and income without adequately exploring broader community-level influences on healthcare service choice among pregnant women.
Addressing these gaps requires a multidimensional research approach integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to capture the diverse factors shaping maternal healthcare utilization patterns in rural Nigerian settings. By delving deeper into these areas, future research can contribute significantly to evidence-based strategies and policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in rural areas like Etche LGA.
Purpose of the Study
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants influencing the choice of healthcare services among pregnant women in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are:
- To identify the socio-economic factors influencing the choice of healthcare services among pregnant women.
- To assess the influence of cultural beliefs and practices on the utilization of healthcare services during pregnancy.
- To examine the impact of healthcare infrastructure and accessibility on pregnant women’s choice of healthcare services.
Research Questions
To achieve the objectives of this study, the following research questions will guide the investigation:
- What are the socio-economic factors that influence pregnant women’s choice of healthcare services in Etche LGA?
- How do cultural beliefs and practices affect the utilization of healthcare services among pregnant women in the study area?
- What is the relationship between healthcare infrastructure/accessibility and the choice of healthcare services during pregnancy in Etche LGA?
Hypotheses
Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses were tested:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
- There is no significant relationship between the socio-economic status of pregnant women and their choice of healthcare services in Etche LGA.
- Cultural beliefs and practices do not significantly influence the utilization of healthcare services among pregnant women in the study area.
- Healthcare infrastructure and accessibility have no significant impact on pregnant women’s choice of healthcare services during pregnancy in Etche LGA.
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- There is a significant relationship between the socio-economic status of pregnant women and their choice of healthcare services in Etche LGA.
- Cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence the utilization of healthcare services among pregnant women in the study area.
- Healthcare infrastructure and accessibility have a significant impact on pregnant women’s choice of healthcare services during pregnancy in Etche LGA.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on maternal and child health in rural Nigeria, particularly in Etche LGA. The findings will provide insights into the factors that influence pregnant women’s decisions regarding healthcare services, which can inform policy development and healthcare interventions aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the health sector can utilize the results of this study to implement targeted strategies that address the specific needs of pregnant women in the region.
Scope of the Study
This study focuses specifically on pregnant women in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. It will examine the socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and healthcare infrastructure/accessibility as determinants influencing the choice of healthcare services during pregnancy. The study will involve quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather comprehensive data for analysis and interpretation.
References
- Gopal, P., Duncan, F., Seruwagi, G., & Taddese, H. B. (2020). Male involvement in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health: evaluating gaps between policy and practice in Uganda. Reproductive Health, 17, 114. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-020-00961-4
- Gray, D. E. (2018). Doing Research in the Real World. London: Sage.
- Hazemba, A. N., & Siziya, S. (Year). Choice of place for childbirth: prevalence and correlates of utilization of health facilities in Chongwe district, Zambia. Medical Journal of Zambia, 35, 53-57.
- Idris, S. H., Gwarzo, U. M. D., & Shehu, A. U. (2020). Determinants of place of delivery among women in a semi-urban settlement in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Annals of African Medicine, 5, 68-72.
- Ikeako, L. C., Onah, H. E., & Iloabachie, G. C. (2020). Influence of formal maternal education on the use of maternity services in Enugu, Nigeria. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 26, 30-34.
- Johnson, O. E., Obidike, P. C., Eroh, M. U., Okpon, A. A., Bassey, E. I., Patrick, P. C., Ebong, P. E., & Ojumah, E. (2020). Choices and determinants of delivery location among mothers attending a primary health facility in Southern Nigeria. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 27, 42-48.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students (7th ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education.
IF YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR TOPIC, CLICK HERE TO HIRE A WRITER»
