Policy Implication of Non-Utilization of Health Care Services for Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

Olasupo P. Ogunjuyigbe, Obafemi Awolowo University
Ambrose Akinlo, Obafemi Awolowo University

Numerous social and institutional factors constitute barriers to the use of obstetric services and consequently the high level of maternal mortality in the country. Among these factors, however, non-utilisation of health care services is prominent. This study employed the Nigeria 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey and a total of 17635 women who had at least a birth in the last five years (preceding the survey) met the inclusion criteria in this paper. The analysis was done at univariate bivariate and multivariate levels. The study found that more than a third (36%) of the women did not receive antenatal care; 63% did not deliver in a health facility and 59% delivered without the assistance of a skilled service provider. These risks, classified as maternity care risks, constitute the principal factors that a country must overcome if it is to make progress towards MDG-5 (improvement of maternal health).