Background of the Study
Skilled birth attendance is a cornerstone of safe childbirth practices, significantly reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Globally, the WHO (2024) reports that skilled attendance at birth has reduced maternal mortality rates by 50% in the past two decades. In Nigeria, however, the uptake of skilled birth attendance remains suboptimal, with an estimated 39% of deliveries attended by skilled health personnel (National Population Commission, 2023). General Hospital, Dutse, serves a diverse population in Jigawa State, yet anecdotal evidence indicates a low proportion of institutional deliveries.
Barriers to skilled birth attendance encompass socio-economic, cultural, and systemic factors. Studies have identified poverty, long distances to healthcare facilities, lack of transportation, and low levels of education as key deterrents (Abdullahi et al., 2023). Additionally, systemic barriers such as understaffing, poor infrastructure, and high healthcare costs exacerbate the problem. Investigating these barriers is crucial for designing interventions that promote institutional deliveries, ultimately improving maternal and child health in Dutse.
Statement of the Problem
Maternal mortality rates in Nigeria remain among the highest globally, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births (UNICEF, 2024). The lack of skilled birth attendance contributes significantly to these statistics, as many women give birth at home without professional assistance. Despite the availability of General Hospital, Dutse, data suggest that institutional delivery rates are alarmingly low, raising concerns about accessibility and acceptability of care.
Identifying barriers to skilled birth attendance is essential for addressing the gap between service availability and utilization. While previous research has explored national and regional trends, few studies have specifically investigated the localized barriers in Dutse. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying factors that hinder women from accessing skilled birth services at General Hospital, Dutse.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify socio-cultural barriers to skilled birth attendance at General Hospital, Dutse.
2. To examine systemic factors affecting the utilization of skilled birth services.
3. To explore economic constraints that hinder access to skilled birth attendance.
Research Questions
1. What socio-cultural factors hinder women from seeking skilled birth attendance at General Hospital, Dutse?
2. How do systemic issues affect the utilization of skilled birth services?
3. What economic challenges limit access to skilled birth attendance at General Hospital, Dutse?
Research Hypotheses
1. Socio-cultural barriers significantly reduce the utilization of skilled birth attendance at General Hospital, Dutse.
2. Systemic factors negatively impact access to skilled birth services.
3. Economic constraints significantly hinder access to skilled birth attendance at General Hospital, Dutse.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on barriers to skilled birth attendance at General Hospital, Dutse, with emphasis on socio-cultural, systemic, and economic factors. It excludes antenatal and postnatal care services. Limitations include the reliance on secondary data and potential recall bias in participants' responses.
Definitions of Terms
• Skilled Birth Attendance: Childbirth assisted by trained healthcare professionals such as midwives or doctors.
• Socio-Cultural Barriers: Cultural practices and societal norms that impede healthcare access.
• Systemic Factors: Structural issues within healthcare systems, such as staffing and infrastructure challenges.
• Economic Constraints: Financial limitations affecting access to healthcare services.
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