Women’s perception of quality and utilization of antenatal care and delivery services in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The perception of quality of antenatal care and delivery services is one of the several factors that influence utilization of these services. This study assessed the perception of quality and utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and delivery services among women of childbearing age in Oshimili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study among 301 women aged 15-49 years selected by multistage random sampling technique using mixed methods of data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 while thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data.
Results: The mean age of the women was 32.0 ± 2.5 years. Most were married 287 (95.3%), had secondary education 211 (70.1%)) and self-employed 227 (75.4%). One hundred and forty-eight (49.2%) had good perception of technical competence of staff, 132 (43.9%) their safety consciousness and 134 (44.5%) effectiveness/efficiency of drugs. However, 136 (43.5%) had poor perception of waiting time, 118 (39.2%) health workers respectfulness and 116 (38.5%) compassion for patients. Two hundred and seventy-three (90.7%) and 251(83.4%) utilized ANC and delivery services, respectively, while 22 (7.3%) delivered at home.
Conclusion: The women’s perception of quality of ANC and delivery services varied across domains. There was a high level of utilization of antenatal care and delivery services. However, there were few traditional birth attendant (TBA) and home deliveries. Addressing the issues of long waiting time and attitude of health workers will encourage full scale utilization of health facilities and discourage TBA and home deliveries

Keywords: Antenatal care; Delivery services; Perception; Quality of care; Utilization; Nigeria