Factors Influencing Knowledge of Maternal Healthcare among Women of Reproductive-Age Visiting the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Background: Maternal healthcare knowledge is a critical component of ensuring the well-being of women and their children, especially in regions where maternal and infant mortality rates remain high. Understanding the factors that contribute to maternal healthcare knowledge can guide interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Objectives: This paper identified factors influencing maternal health care knowledge among women of reproductive age attending the maternal health clinic at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, and examined their levels of knowledge on maternal health care. Method: Deploying descriptive survey research design, 248 women who attends antenatal clinic in ABUTH were sampled using simple random technique. Data were got using copies of questionnaire, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Analysis were done using descriptive statistics and presented in tables with the qualitative data substantiating it. Results: The findings from this study indicate that women attending the maternal health clinic at ABUTH generally possess a robust level of knowledge concerning maternal healthcare. The study also identified healthcare workers as the primary source of maternal health information, which highlights the critical role of effective communication in this context. Conclusion: This paper concludes that while women at ABUTH have a strong foundation of knowledge in maternal health care, ongoing education and targeted communication strategies are essential to further enhance their understanding and ensure the effective utilisation of maternal health services. Unique Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the significant impact of educational attainment on maternal healthcare knowledge among women of reproductive age. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers in delivering accurate and accessible health information, tailored to the needs and cultural contexts of the women they serve. Key Recommendation: Healthcare providers at ABUTH should implement continuous, culturally sensitive education programs. These programmes should be designed to further enhance maternal health care knowledge, particularly among women with lower levels of formal education. Additionally, targeted communication strategies that involve both spouses in the decision-making process should be developed to promote effective family planning and postnatal care practices.