A Conceptual Framework for Improving Facility-Based Delivery Among Women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Improving facility-based delivery remains a critical strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in low-resource settings such as Nigeria (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework to enhance the utilization of hospital delivery services among women in Bayelsa State. The framework was derived from empirical findings of a cross-sectional study that examined socio-demographic, cultural, institutional, and healthcare provider factors influencing women’s choice of delivery location. An integrative approach, guided by the Health Belief Model (Rosenstock, 1974), was employed to synthesize these determinants into a multi-level framework. The resulting model identifies key influences operating at the individual, community, and health system levels. Targeted interventions including culturally sensitive health education, community engagement, health system strengthening, and respectful maternity care were proposed. The framework provides a practical and context-specific tool for policymakers, healthcare providers, and program planners to design interventions aimed at increasing facility-based delivery and improving maternal health outcomes.