Pattern and Predictors of Maternal Healthcare Services Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The world still grapples with alarming maternal mortality rates, particularly in developing nations, including Nigeria. Annual global deaths exceed 500,000, predominantly in developing countries (99%) and sub‑Saharan Africa (over 50%), where the lifetime risk of maternal death is 1 in 26. Millions of women of reproductive age and their children could be saved from poor outcomes through the utilization of available effective affordable maternal healthcare services. Objective: This study assessed the patterns and predictors of maternal healthcare service utilization among women of reproductive age in Lagos state, Nigeria. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 453 women of reproductive age selected through multistage sampling between July 2022 and March 2023. Data collection employed interviewer‑administered questionnaires, and analysis was performed using SPSS V.25 software. Statistical analysis included bivariate and multivariate analyses, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Findings: Nearly all participants (99%) were familiar with antenatal care (ANC), while 63% knew about postnatal care services, and 82% understood modern family planning methods. Most respondents (86%) accessed ANC in healthcare facilities; however, the majority (70.7%) booked during the second trimester. The majority (97%) attended ANC more than four times, and 77% gave births in healthcare facilities. Notably, 86% attended postnatal care services primarily for child vaccination. Christian religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.810; confidence interval (CI): 0.989-3.313), self‑employment status of spouses (AOR: 2.949: CI: 1.413-6.153), and household monthly income above 60,000.00 naira (AOR: 2.015; CI: 1.002-4.005) were predictors for ANC use. Similarly, Christian religion (AOR: 2.326; CI: 1.426-3.796), self‑employment status of spouses (AOR: 3.111; CI: 1.633-5.929), and having health insurance (AOR: 5.327; CI: 1.229-23.080) were predictors for use of healthcare facilities for childbirth. Conclusion: This study reveals high awareness and utilization of maternal health services but highlights room for improvement in early antenatal care registration and postnatal care beyond the child's immunization.

Keywords: Antenatal care services; Childbirth services; Lagos; Maternal Healthcare Services; Nigeria; Pattern; Postnatal care services; Predictors; Utilization.