The Role of Public Health Nurses in Improving Access to Skilled Birth Attendants in Rural Communities in Benue State
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Background of the Study
Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where access to skilled birth attendants (SBAs) is limited. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) emphasizes that the presence of SBAs during childbirth is a key factor in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. However, in Benue State, many rural women continue to rely on traditional birth attendants (TBAs) due to cultural preferences, lack of awareness, financial constraints, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure (Okon & Eze, 2023).
Public health nurses (PHNs) play a crucial role in bridging this gap by facilitating access to SBAs through health education, advocacy, community outreach programs, and collaboration with TBAs. Studies suggest that PHN-led interventions, such as maternal health education campaigns, mobile clinics, and referral systems, can significantly improve pregnant women’s access to skilled care during childbirth (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2024). However, the effectiveness of these interventions in rural Benue State remains underexplored.
This study aims to examine the role of public health nurses in improving access to SBAs in rural communities of Benue State and identify the challenges limiting their effectiveness.
Statement of the Problem
Despite global and national efforts to reduce maternal mortality, many rural communities in Nigeria, including those in Benue State, continue to experience high rates of home deliveries without skilled birth attendance. This increases the risk of complications such as prolonged labor, hemorrhage, infections, and neonatal asphyxia (Hassan & Bello, 2024).
Although public health nurses are instrumental in promoting maternal health services, their role in enhancing access to SBAs in rural areas has not been adequately assessed. Understanding their impact and the barriers they face is essential for developing effective policies and interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the role of public health nurses in improving access to skilled birth attendants in rural communities of Benue State.
- To identify the barriers limiting the effectiveness of public health nurses in facilitating access to SBAs.
- To propose strategies for strengthening public health nursing interventions in increasing SBA utilization.
Research Questions
- What is the role of public health nurses in improving access to skilled birth attendants in rural Benue State?
- What are the barriers limiting the effectiveness of public health nurses in promoting SBA utilization?
- What strategies can be adopted to enhance public health nurses' efforts in increasing access to SBAs?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Public health nurses do not significantly improve access to skilled birth attendants in rural Benue State.
H₁: Public health nurses significantly improve access to skilled birth attendants in rural Benue State.
H₀: There are no significant barriers limiting public health nurses’ effectiveness in promoting SBA utilization.
H₁: Significant barriers exist that limit public health nurses’ effectiveness in promoting SBA utilization.
H₀: There are no effective strategies for improving public health nurses’ role in increasing access to SBAs.
H₁: Effective strategies can be adopted to enhance public health nurses’ role in increasing access to SBAs.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on rural communities in Benue State and the efforts of public health nurses in improving access to SBAs. Limitations may include the reluctance of women to share childbirth experiences and the unavailability of complete health records in some rural areas.
Definitions of Terms
- Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) – A trained healthcare professional, such as a midwife or doctor, who provides skilled care during childbirth.
- Public Health Nurse (PHN) – A nurse who provides community-based healthcare services and promotes public health initiatives.
- Maternal Mortality – The death of a woman due to pregnancy-related complications.
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