URBAN-RURAL DIFFERENCES OF MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICE UTILIZATION IN ABIA SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Background: Maternal health is an indicator of the well-being of our future generation aimed at ensuring that maternal mortality and maternal morbidity are reduced to its barest minimum, however, there exist a difference in the uptake of these available services between the urban and rural communities. The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in the pattern of utilization maternal health services in Abia South Senatorial District.

Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed which used a multistage sampling technique to recruit 438 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in 2 of 6 Local Government Areas in the Senatorial District. A semi-structured, pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The pattern of utilization of services was assessed by frequencies and proportions of respondents who obtained antenatal and delivery care from a skilled health provider.

Results: The mean age of respondents for urban was 26.3±5.4 years while for rural was 25.5±4.0 years. Comparable proportions in urban, (95.0%) and rural, (68.5%) had good use of antenatal care services provided by a skilled health worker (P < 0.001). Comparable proportions in urban, (88%) had good use of delivery care services provided by a skilled delivery health worker (P < 0.001) while rural, (39%) showed low usage of skilled delivery care.

Conclusion: The level of utilization of antenatal care in health facilities in the study communities was above average.