ABSTRACT
The factors influencing the uptake of skilled birth attendants among pregnant women in the Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State was investigated. The study was to determine; choice of birthplace, identify women's use of skilled attendance at delivery, factors influencing women's use of skilled attendance at delivery and demographic variables that influence the choice of birthplace by pregnant women in the study area. Two hundred pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the various health centres (Ogharefe, Oghareki 1, Oghareki 2, Jesse and Mosogar) comprising (40) each was used. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, and the study duration was between (October 2018 – March 2019). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire on demographic data, choice of birthplace and factors influencing uptake of skilled birth attendance. Data collected were analysed for mean, standard error of the mean and probability value (p-value) using chi-square. Logistics regression was used to determine the associating social demographic factors and data were presented as tables and pie-chart. Results on the demographic of women showed that apart from Ogharefe and Oghareki I, most women were within 30years – 39years. Only Jesse, Mosogar and Oghareki I was below 20years old. From the study, 67% – 87% of women were married except in Oghareki II, where 47% were married. On the response of skilled birth attendance, 56.5%women had their children in hospitals/health centre. Traditional birth attendants recorded 27%, while 4% and 3% have theirs at home and other places. Most respondents strongly disagreed that they prefer healthcare services because their husbands liked them. The response to health services preferences because of safety varied with 28% and 21% strongly agreeing and disagreeing. Women expressed negative perception towards skilled birth attendance with overall remark of 2.35. However the preference for health services showed 67.5% referred SBA because they offered afterdelivery services while 32.5% referred others that are not SBA. In conclusion, the results from the research showed that the demographic variables of age, marital status, educational qualification etc have great influence on the uptake of SBA in Ethiope West Local Government Area in Delta State. A good number of the women still petronized TBAs. It is recommended that community sensitization on SBA patronage be done vigorously, better funding of hospitals, health facilities, continuous training, monitoring and supervising of skilled birth attendance by the government agency for optimum improvement for the sustainability of SDGs should be encouraged.
