Utilization of Maternal Health Care Services at Nguroje PHCC, Sardauna LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the utilisation of maternal health care services at Nguroje Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC), Sardauna Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study examined the utilisation of maternal health services among women in relation to age, parity, and educational attainment. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed to obtain information from women attending the health facility. Data were collected from 399 respondents using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, with findings presented in frequencies and percentages. The results indicated that respondents aged 18–29 years constituted the largest age group (31.6%), followed by those aged 30–39 years (25.3%), while females accounted for 88.2% of the study population. Educational attainment showed that 28.6% had primary education, 27.8% had tertiary education, 27.6% had secondary education, and 16.0% had no formal education. Regarding maternal health service utilisation, 69.2% of respondents received antenatal care services, 69.4% utilised health facility delivery services, and 65.9% accessed postnatal care services. However, consistent antenatal clinic attendance remained inadequate, as 55.9% reported rarely attending antenatal clinics, 26.6% attended only once or twice during pregnancy, and 17.5% never attended. Satisfaction with antenatal services was high, with 59.4% reporting being very satisfied and 20.6% satisfied. The study concludes that maternal health care service utilisation at Nguroje PHCC is relatively satisfactory, particularly for facility-based delivery, antenatal care, and postnatal care. The study recommends intensifying awareness campaigns on the importance of early and regular antenatal care attendance and improving the quality and accessibility of maternal health services in Sardauna Local Government Area, Taraba State.