Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

APPRAISING THE CHALLENGES OF UTILISING MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Wegh Francis S., Ugbem-Onah Comfort E. & Onazi Lucy

Abstract

It is widely accepted that maternal healthcare is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health. Furthermore, the continuum of care–the integrated delivery of antenatal, delivery and postnatal care–has been shown to be particularly important. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest neonatal and maternal mortality rates in the world due to several challenges such as limited access to healthcare facilities, proximity, decision-making, cultural barriers, financial constraints and religious beliefs which impede them from effectively using these services.This study investigaed the challenges faced by women of reproductive age in accessing and utilizing MHCS in Benue South Senatorial District. The study was anchored on Andersen healthcare utilization model. It was cross-sectional and employed mixed-method approach by combining key informantinterviews (KIIs) and survey for data collection. The population for the study were 376 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and 9 health care providers in the nine local government areas that make up the Benue South Senatorial District. Quantitative data was analyzed through the SPSS and presented in frequencies and simple percentages while the qualitative data was content analyzed thematically. The study identified several challenges of utilizing MHCS in the study area which included; cost of services/financial constraints, lack of equipment in facilities, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate drugs supply, and shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and limited awareness of available services. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges, improve access to quality maternal and healthcare services and reduce health disparities in Benue South Senatorial District. .

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