EC Gynaecology

Institutional healthcare utilization is crucial for protecting health and reducing mortality during pregnancy and childbirth. The study aimed to identify factors associated with women's low access to health facility services during pregnancy and birth. The study was conducted in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. The respondents were 360 pregnant women who attended antenatal care during the study period. The study employed face-to-face interview administration using a pre-tested interview questionnaire to collect data for the study. Findings showed a significant relationship between the selected independent and dependent variables. Religious affiliation (P = 0.000), distance in kilometers (P = 0.000), cost of antenatal care (P = 0.008), and provider of antenatal care (P = 0.034) significantly influenced health facility status. The study gave insight into non-medical factors influencing access to health facility utilization by women during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to informed intervention towards curtailing deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth. Overall, the study recommends the establishment of more health facilities to shorten the distance from homes to health facilities, provide health education, and subsidize healthcare costs.

 Keywords: Healthcare; Institutional; Antenatal Care; Pregnancy; Childbirth

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