THE EFFECTS OF MARRIAGE, EDUCATION AND LOCATION ON THE USE OF MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA.
Objective: This study investigated the determinants of maternal healthcare services utilization in selected communities.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study using a questionnaire as a quantitative tool. The population of the study comprised women of reproductive age group (15-49) in Auchi, Aviele, New Benin, Uzebu, Ubiaju, Emu communities in Edo State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 561 study participants from the target population. A total of 561 copies of the questionnaire were administered but 490 of them were retrieved and found to meet criteria for analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and computed for descriptive statistics – frequency with percentage counts, mean, and standard deviations. Additionally, inferential statistics chi-square and one-way ANOVA used to test the stated hypotheses.
Results: The finding show that the women’s mean age of 28 ± 5.37. Residential location of the participants did not significantly influence their utilization of maternal healthcare services. Educational qualifications were found to influence the utilization of maternal healthcare services than those of lower educational levels (p-v < 0.05). In addition, 364 (74.2%) respondents agree that free or low-cost of maternal health services would prompt and promote regular visits to clinic. Conclusion: It is recommended that the government should provide freer or low-cost maternal health care services for more participation from women.
Keywords: Maternal healthcare services, Pregnancy, Reproductive age, Utilization
