Accessibility And Utilization Of Prenatal Care Services Among Women In Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area Of Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing accessibility and utilization of prenatal care services in Ahiazu-Mbaise Imo State Nigeria. Data were collected using questionnaire for quantitative data and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth –Interview (IDI), for qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using simple percentage and chi square statistical tools. The qualitative data were analysed using content based on recurrent themes. This served as a complement to the quantitative data. The study showed that there was a high level of availability of prenatal care services in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) of Nigeria. There was also a high level of utilisation of prenatal care services in the course of pregnancy. The hypotheses proposed for the study was that there is a relationship between location and utilisation of prenatal care services. This hypotheses was however rejected as findings from the study indicated that there was no significant relationship between location and utilisation of prenatal care services. This study recommended the need to provide economic empowerment to women as well as a community based approach to prenatal care services where husbands, fathers, brothers and mothers in law are sensitized to play a supportive role in women’s utilisation of prenatal care services.