PRECURSOR TO PATRONAGE OF TRADITIONAL MATERNITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Maternal mortality remains a critical global health challenge, with developing nations, particularly Nigeria, experiencing disproportionately high rates. This study investigates perceived level of maternal death as a precursor to patronage of traditional maternity healthcare services (TMHCs) and their associated maternal mortality risks in Southwestern Nigeria. Using a descriptive design, the research surveyed 1200 pregnant women and nursing mothers across the study area through a multi-stage sampling procedure. A self-designed validated questionnaire was used for this study. Descriptive carried out using ANOVA and Linear Regression Analysis. The study revealed that educational status and income not primary determinants of TMHC patronage. Also, the study identified key factors driving traditional birth centre (TBC) utilization including perceived self-delivery capabilities, passionate care, spiritual beliefs, service accessibility, and quality of care. While traditional birth attendants' (TBAs) refusal to refer patients to modern healthcare facilities was perceived as a low maternal mortality risk, delays in seeking healthcare and mobilizing funds emerged as significant concerns. The study showed some significant variations in TMHC patronage factors across the selected states result shows that there was a significant variation (0.00) in the factors influencing the patronage of traditional maternal health centres across the selected states. F(2872)=6.932, P<0.05. Regression analysis indicated composite reasons for patronising traditional maternal health centres which were potent predictors of perceived level of maternal death (β=.252, t=7.699, p<0.05). This showed that an increase in composite reasons for patronising traditional maternal health centres increased perceived level of maternal death by 25.2%. Therefore, there should be policy, review of TBA training programmes, and increased collaboration between healthcare facilities be done to encourage community support for TBA practices towards ensuring healthy lives for childbearing women.