Determinants of transport exclusion among pregnant women in selected locations of southwestern Nigeria

Unequal access to transport is an outcome of several factors which play a significant role in access to maternal healthcare services. This study examines the factors contributing to transport exclusion among pregnant women in southwestern Nigeria, with the objective of ascertaining lived experience among the respondents. A survey was conducted among 357 registered pregnant women from 113 hospitals across three local government areas in Oyo State. The analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that transport exclusion is prevalent among pregnant women in the study area, with factors such as lack of money (95.0%), transport cost (72.0%), and the affordability of transportation means (60.2%) being key determinants. The study concluded that factors contributing to transport exclusion among pregnant women may have far-reaching effects on their ability to meet daily social needs, particularly healthcare access, given their vulnerable status, which in turn impacts their overall well-being. Further research may be needed to explain the connection between the transport exclusion of pregnant women and the ease of accessing medical care, as well as their overall well-being.