CHALLENGES OF ACCESS TO POSTNATAL CARE AMONG WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Maternal health is imperative for the overall socio economic growth of any nation. In the light of this, adequate health care interventions are critical to the survival of both the mother and the new born. It is important to identify factors that militate against an effective postnatal care in the country, in order to reduce complications after childbirth. The aim was to determine the major barriers to health care among women in Kogi state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 379 women was sampled using Krejcie and Morgan sampling technique through semi-structured questionnaires. Out of 379 women interviewed, 36.0%; n = 137) attended antenatal clinic. Lack of knowledge about postnatal care services (30.0%; n = 114), distant location of the hospitals more than 5km (28.3%; n = 108) and husband’s choice of  ante and postnatal care (64.8%; n = 246) were the main reasons for non-attendance to postnatal clinic. Poor knowledge and inaccessibility to health facilities were the main obstacles to ante and postnatal care while the practice of utilizing orthodox healthcare after delivery largely depended on the decision of the husbands.  This study recommends the active involvement of men in reproductive health matters so they can assist mothers take proper decisions in order to reduce complications during pregnancy and after childbirth as well as overall decisions concerning maternal healthcare utilisation.