KNOWLEDGE AND ACCESSIBILITY OF MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGES IN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

One of the major challenges faced by women of reproductive ages in the developing countries overtime is complications from pregnancy and child birth. Many reasons have been advanced for the minimal decline in maternal mortality. This paper assessed women’s knowledge and   extent  of accessibility to maternal healthcare services in Benue South Senatorial District. The Andersen healthcare utilization model is a conceptual model  was adopted. The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The population for the study covered all women of reproductive age ( 15-49 years) in the nine local government areas that make up the Benue South Senatorial District. Taro Yamane (1967) sample size determination formula for finite population will be used in determining the sample size for this study.  The study revealed that women have  knowledge on maternal healthcare services such as antenatal, delivery and postnatal services  in their communities. Findings on  accessibility to  maternal health care services in Benue South Senatorial district  revealed that while maternal health care services are available for women in the study location it is not all services that are readily accessible to women. The study recommended that Nigerian Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), health personnel in communities, medical sociologists and religious leaders should, therefore, intensify efforts  of enlightenment  on importance of maternal health care services and the need of engaging  in utilization of such services, as well as the health implications of  non- utilization of maternal services on mothers and their unborn babies.