Child Bearing Women's Opinion On Utilisation of Maternal Health Services: Community Based Study

The study utilized a qualitative approach to investigate community members' perspectives on maternal health service utilization in selected areas of Ibadan South – East Local Government Area, Oyo State. Through focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, themes emerged regarding health worker attitudes, satisfaction levels, alternative care options, and factors influencing utilization. Participants expressed mixed views on interactions with health workers, with some reporting negative experiences and others highlighting positive encounters. Despite varying satisfaction levels, primary health centers remained the preferred option due to limited alternatives. Affordability, accessibility, and availability emerged as key determinants of utilization, alongside positive interactions and satisfaction with services. These findings align with empirical evidence, emphasizing the complex nature of factors influencing maternal healthcare utilization and the need to address issues related to healthcare quality, affordability, accessibility, and provider-client interactions to improve service delivery effectively. Addressing health worker attitudes and behaviors is crucial. Training programs focusing on empathy, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity should be implemented to improve interactions with clients. Continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms can ensure accountability and prompt action in cases of misconduct. Secondly, efforts to improve the affordability, accessibility, and availability of maternal health services are essential. Key words: Child Bearing Women, Maternal Health Services, Opinion, Utilisation,