Non-utilization of Primary Healthcare Centres for Skilled Pregnancy Care among Women in Rural Communities in Delta State, Southern Nigeria: Perspectives from Mothers, Fathers, and Healthcare Providers

Abstract

The study examines the barriers to maternal care utilization in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in eight randomly-select rural communities in Delta State, Southern Nigeria using qualitative methods. The study is a qualitative exploratory research design. From July 2018 to February 2019, ten focus group discussions (FGDs) and five key informant interviews (KIIs) were held in different locations in the communities. FGDs were held among married women and men in the communities. KIIs were conducted among health services providers. Recorded voices were transcribed in full and analyzed using literary methods. It was observed that a greater number of deliveries were supervised by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), who use traditional techniques and herbs and are not trained in modern midwifery. Women explained that they did not utilize PHCs because of informal monetary charges, distance barriers, and inability to access health care at night. Consequently, women preferred delivery at home supervised by TBAs. Mothers, fathers, and PHC facility managers showed discontent with the quality of care rendered in PHCs. It is recommended that efforts should be made to upgrade the quality of care in order to foster maternal care utilization in PHCs.