Prevalence and factors influencing delivery site preferences among women accessing immunization services in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
1
Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar / Cross River, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Maternal mortality remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, with delivery site choices significantly impacting maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite global efforts targeted at optimising facility deliveries, women continue to patronise non-health facilities. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and identify factors influencing delivery site preferences among mothers accessing immunisation services in Calabar.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 mothers accessing immunisation services in selected Primary Health Care facilities. A multistage sampling technique was employed in recruiting participants for the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 25, with significance set at p<0.05. Data were summarized using proportions, and Chi square test was used to explore associations between categorical variables. Predictors of health facility delivery were determined by binary logistic regression.
RESULTS:
The mean age of respondents was 28.89 ± 5.44 years. The prevalence of health facility delivery was suboptimal, with 66.8% delivering their last baby in a health facility. Staff attitude was the most frequently reported reason for choice of delivery site, 151 (60.9%), followed by availability of skilled birth attendants, 144 (57.6%) and affordability, 117 (46.8%). Older maternal age (≥30 years), being married, higher educational level and satisfaction with antenatal care services were significantly associated with facility-based delivery (p < 0.05). Predictors of health facility-based delivery were attaining a tertiary level of education (OR 3.45;95% CI 1.98 - 6.54) and satisfaction with antenatal care services (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.16 -4.16).
CONCLUSIONS:
With about a third (33.2%) of deliveries occurring in non-health facilities, efforts should be targeted at improving the quality of delivery services through the provision of skilled birth attendants, respectful maternal care and affordability of services, which are essential for optimal maternal health care in our setting.
Maternal mortality remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, with delivery site choices significantly impacting maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite global efforts targeted at optimising facility deliveries, women continue to patronise non-health facilities. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and identify factors influencing delivery site preferences among mothers accessing immunisation services in Calabar.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 mothers accessing immunisation services in selected Primary Health Care facilities. A multistage sampling technique was employed in recruiting participants for the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 25, with significance set at p<0.05. Data were summarized using proportions, and Chi square test was used to explore associations between categorical variables. Predictors of health facility delivery were determined by binary logistic regression.
RESULTS:
The mean age of respondents was 28.89 ± 5.44 years. The prevalence of health facility delivery was suboptimal, with 66.8% delivering their last baby in a health facility. Staff attitude was the most frequently reported reason for choice of delivery site, 151 (60.9%), followed by availability of skilled birth attendants, 144 (57.6%) and affordability, 117 (46.8%). Older maternal age (≥30 years), being married, higher educational level and satisfaction with antenatal care services were significantly associated with facility-based delivery (p < 0.05). Predictors of health facility-based delivery were attaining a tertiary level of education (OR 3.45;95% CI 1.98 - 6.54) and satisfaction with antenatal care services (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.16 -4.16).
CONCLUSIONS:
With about a third (33.2%) of deliveries occurring in non-health facilities, efforts should be targeted at improving the quality of delivery services through the provision of skilled birth attendants, respectful maternal care and affordability of services, which are essential for optimal maternal health care in our setting.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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