Utilisation and Maternal Health Outcome Among Urban Dwellers of Obudu and Ogoja: Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal health is a crucial indicator of the quality of health care in any country. This is because maternity is the greatest single factor in high maternal mortality in developing areas. The factors that have been identified include lack of access to and utilisation of quality maternal healthcare facilities. This study was undertaken to assess the availability, utilisation and relationship with maternal health outcome (childbirth). The cross sectional study was carried out among women of reproductive age in the urban areas of Obudu and Ogoja Local Governments of Cross River State, Nigeria. The results indicated that maternal health facilities are available but majority of them do not satisfy the international standards for both Basic Essential Obstetrics Care (BEOC) and Comprehensive Essential Obstetrics Care (CEOC). In addition, the utilisation of health facilities was hampered by cost, culture and decision-making. The study also found that there was a significant relationship between utilisation of maternal health facilities and maternal health outcome manifest in successful and healthy birth outcomes. The upgrading of maternal health facilities in all areas is germane to improving maternal health outcome. This can be done by providing facilities cheaply and readily to the people and relevant information to women.

Keywords: Maternal Health, Urban Areas, Utilisation, Health outcome