Healthcare Provider Characteristics Associated with Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims: This study assessed healthcare provider characteristics in relation to maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women attending selected primary healthcare facilities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: This study used a descriptive survey research technique. The aim of this research approach is to describe, explain, and investigate events or actions as they happen at a given time, without the researcher imposing their own point of view on the circumstance. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected primary healthcare facilities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, between March 2025 and October 2026. Methodology: Researchers selected 150 participants using a multistage sampling technique. Pregnant women’s characteristics considered were age and educational qualification. Data were collected using structured instruments and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were used to summarize responses, while the Pearson correlation coefficient was applied where appropriate to examine relationships among study variables. Results: Findings indicated that maternal mortality remained a perceived concern among women receiving maternal healthcare in the study area. Respondents agreed that maternal mortality occurs among pregnant women attending healthcare facilities, with a mean score of 3.03 ± 0.42. The highest level of agreement was recorded for the statement that some pregnant women still lose their lives during delivery despite attending healthcare facilities (3.17 ± 0.36). Respondents also agreed that maternal death was common in the study area (3.03 ± 0.40), while the statement that the rate of maternal death was high recorded a mean score of 2.93 ± 0.46. The overall mean score of 3.04 ± 0.40 indicated general agreement that maternal mortality remains an important maternal health concern in Obio/Akpor LGA. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate continuing concern regarding maternal mortality among women receiving care in primary healthcare facilities in Obio/Akpor LGA. Strengthening healthcare provider competence, timely recognition and management of maternal complications, adherence to recommended maternal-care guidelines, and effective referral practices may contribute to improved maternal outcomes and quality of care at the primary healthcare level.