Antenatal Care Services Utilization in Yobe State, Nigeria: Examining Predictors and Barriers

Abstract

Objective:In Nigeria, wide disparities exist between the different parts of the country, with the states in the North East zone having poor health resources. The objective of this study is to assess whether women’s biological, sociocultural, and economic characteristics are associated with utilization of ante natal care services as measured by number of antenatal care (ANC) visits in Yobe State.Methods:This is a secondary data analysis of the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey with records from 33,385 women between 15-49 years who had given birth between January 2003 and December 2008 in Yobe State. Bivariate Pearson’s Chi square test and two stages of Multivariate regression analysis were conducted.Results:Women with at least primary level education (adjusted OR (AOR) = 2.40; CI 1.24 – 4.67), belonging to professional employment category (AOR = 12.07; CI 0.19 – 75.74) and those who had access to skilled health workers (AOR = 5.13; CI 2.50 – 10.52) are more likely to make the required number of ANC visits compared to those who are illiterates, unemployed and had no access to skilled health workers.Conclusion and Global Health Implications:This study demonstrated that educational level, family wealth income, and availability of skilled health worker were consistently associated with the number of ANC visits even after controlling for covariates. These three covariates are in tandem with the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) 1 - eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; MDG 2 - universal basic education; MDG 3 - gender equality; and MDG 4 - maternal mortality. There is the need for inter-sectoral holistic intervention approach.

Using Andersen’s behavioral model of health care utilization in a decentralized program to examine the use of antenatal care in rural western Ethiopia

“…Engaging in skilled employement and small businesses as income sources among mother was associated with increased odds of utilizing recommended minimum number of ANC services which is consistent with those of previous studies in Ethiopia [21,24]. A study in Nigeria [44] reported that women who operated small businesses were 6 times more likely to make the recommended number of ANC clinics visits. Similar studies in Nepal and China also corroborate our findings [11,45].…”

Examining barriers to healthcare access and utilization of antenatal care services: evidence from demographic health surveys in sub-Saharan Africa

“…However, early timing of first ANC visit was high in Zambia compared to Nigeria. Previous studies in Nigeria have identified high prevalence of ANC attendance among women [30][31][32]. These studies reported higher prevalence of ANC visits, compared to what was found in this study.…”

Determinants of Antenatal Care Service Utilization Among Mothers in Aneded Woreda, Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia

“…This may be due to differences in access of health centers nearby and study area (rural). The finding was slightly low as compared to Nigeria (67%) [29], and this may be due to differences in socioeconomic and cultural factors. It was also slightly lower than a study conducted in Ambo town (84.9%) [21], and this may be due to study area difference (the study covers more rural areas).…”