Research Article

Pregnancy Care and Maternal Mortality in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

*¹Owoseni Joseph Sina, ²Jegede Lucy Iyabo and ²Ibikunle Ayodele M

¹College of Medicine and Health Sciences (Medical Sociology), Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

²Department of Sociology, Ekiti state University, Ado – Ekiti, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-Mail: owoshynah@yahoo.com, Tel; +2348066504953, +2348039140118, +2348037280943

Accepted 20 July 2014

Abstract

Maternal mortality is high in Nigeria as one woman dies every 30 minutes. A nation devoid of sickly population is a potentially prosperous one. Maternal health is a basic indicator of national health and well-being. These deaths and morbidity can be reduced if pregnant women seek and receive adequate care. This study examined maternal health care in Ilesa, Osun State. Health Belief Model (HBM) provided the basis for conceptual frame work for this study. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to generate primary data. Survey method was employed for quantitative data. Simple random sampling was utilized to select 11 out of 21 wards in Ilesa and fifty women were interviewed in each selected ward. Five hundred and fifty copies of questionnaire were administered to pregnant women in form of personal interviews and 91.3% of them were found useful. The findings indicated that women attend antenatal clinic (ANC) but preferred to deliver in mission houses. The combination of socio and demographic factors have positive correlation with decision making in pregnancy (R = 0.548. Qualitative data revealed that pregnant women were found to attend hospitals for ANC and immunization but deliver in faith homes. Soap, sponges, anointing oil, bathing in flowing rivers and mountain tops are spiritual rituals that are common in faith homes. Consequently, holistic approach to health should be employed in care of pregnant women. Husbands, Faith Birth Attendants (FBAs), hospitals and pregnant women should be targeted. FBAs should be trained to reduce maternal mortality and spread of HIV.

Keywords: Pregnant Women, Care Givers, Husbands, Maternal Mortality, Morbidity