Predictors of Utilisation of Maternal Health Services among Reproductive Aged Women in Ibadan South East Local Government of Oyo State

Utilisation of maternal health services has been found to be an essential contributor in improvement of health outcomes of mother and child. However, there is still low utilisation in Nigeria which is the major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. The researcher therefore, investigated predictors of utilisation of maternal health services among reproductive aged women in Ibadan south east local government of Oyo State. The study employed a descriptive method design, 322 women of reproductive age were drawn through purposive sampling techniques from Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State. One research instrument was used to gather information in this study; which assess maternal health services (antenatal care, labour/delivery, immunization, family planning), and identify enabling factors that influence utilisation of maternal health services. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage count, mean and pie chart), and Chi Square were used to analyse the data obtained at 0.05 level of significance. It was found out that majority of the respondent utilised mission and private hospital, majority had proper utilisation of Antenatal Care and immunization services while majority had improper utilisation of labour/delivery and family planning services. Also, 47% of the respondent had adequate enabling factors while 53% had inadequate enabling factors. There was a significant relationship between components of enabling factors and maternal health utilisation. It could therefore, be concluded that if enabling factors of women of reproductive age are taken care of, it will greatly increase their maternal health service patronage. Therefore, Government should make maternal health facilities accessible and affordable.