AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGED WOMEN IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Maternal health remains a major global concern, with low- and middle-income countries accounting for over 95% of maternal deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa contributes nearly 70% of these deaths, mainly due to poor awareness, socio-cultural barriers, and underutilization of skilled care. In Nigeria, despite the availability of maternal health services, the maternal mortality ratio remains high at 512 per 100,000 live births, largely due to poor utilization and negative attitudes towards health services. This study assessed the awareness and attitudes of reproductive-aged women in Edo State, Nigeria, toward maternal health services.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 322 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Usen, Ovia South-West LGA, Edo State. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, while chi-square tests assessed associations between awareness, attitudes, and sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression identified predictors of awareness and positive attitudes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Most respondents were aged 25–34 years (35.4%) with a mean age of 32.7 ± 9.8 years. Awareness of maternal health services was high (71.7%), with family and friends, primary health centres, and hospitals as main information sources. Education, income, and socioeconomic status showed strong associations with awareness (p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified age (25–34 years) and spouse’s education as independent predictors of awareness (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003 respectively). Among those aware, only 26.4% had a positive attitude. Age, marital status, spouse’s education, and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with attitude, but only age 25–34 years independently predicted positivity (p = 0.013).

Conclusion: Although awareness of maternal health services was high, positive attitudes toward their utilization were low. Educational status, income, and partner involvement influenced awareness, whereas behavioural and experiential factors appeared to shape attitude. Improving service quality, provider client relations, and community engagement remains essential for promoting favourable maternal health behaviours.