Factors Influencing the Uptake of Skilled Birth Attendants among Pregnant Women in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State

This study investigated the factors influencing the uptake of skilled birth attendants among pregnant women in Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the relationship between the utilisation of skilled birth attendants and selected socio-demographic characteristics, namely age, marital status, educational level, and parity. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, with 200 pregnant women recruited through a convenient sampling technique from antenatal clinics in Ogharefe, Oghareki 1, Oghareki 2, Jesse, and Mosogar. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts and administered by trained research assistants. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to test the hypotheses at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aged 30–39 years, married, and relatively well educated. Educational attainment emerged as a significant determinant of the uptake of skilled birth attendants (χ² = 22.427, p < 0.001), while marital status also showed a significant association (χ² = 8.630, p = 0.035). In contrast, age (χ² = 4.303, p = 0.231) and parity (χ² = 3.311, p = 0.652) were not significantly associated with skilled delivery care. These results suggest that maternal education and marital dynamics play crucial roles in influencing delivery choices, while age and previous childbirth experience are less decisive. The study concludes that improving female education, enhancing awareness of safe delivery practices, and engaging family decision-makers are key strategies to promote the utilisation of skilled birth attendants, thereby contributing to safer maternal outcomes.