Background of the Study
Maternal mortality is a critical public health issue that reflects the effectiveness of healthcare systems and the socio-economic conditions of a population. In developing countries, maternal mortality rates remain high, with significant contributions from factors such as limited access to healthcare, poor health infrastructure, and inadequate maternal care services (WHO, 2023). In Nigeria, maternal mortality is a major public health concern, with the country having one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. Yobe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, faces a combination of challenges that hinder access to quality maternal healthcare, including geographical barriers, poverty, and an inadequate healthcare workforce (Fadare et al., 2024).
Access to healthcare services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period is crucial for reducing maternal mortality. However, many women in Yobe State, particularly those in rural and remote areas, face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, such as long distances to health facilities, poor road infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled healthcare providers (Ibrahim et al., 2023). The limited availability of antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care significantly contributes to the high maternal mortality rates in the state.
This study seeks to investigate the relationship between healthcare accessibility and maternal mortality in Yobe State, focusing on how access to healthcare services affects maternal health outcomes and exploring the barriers that prevent women from receiving adequate care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria, Yobe State continues to experience high rates of maternal mortality. The primary factors contributing to this issue include poor healthcare accessibility, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of skilled healthcare professionals in rural areas (Mustapha & Idris, 2023). While various maternal health interventions have been implemented, the state's high maternal mortality rates indicate that accessibility to healthcare remains a major barrier. Understanding the factors that hinder healthcare access and their direct impact on maternal mortality is critical for designing targeted interventions that can reduce maternal deaths in Yobe State.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of healthcare accessibility for pregnant women in Yobe State.
2. To evaluate the relationship between healthcare accessibility and maternal mortality in Yobe State.
3. To identify barriers to healthcare access that contribute to maternal mortality in Yobe State.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of healthcare accessibility for pregnant women in Yobe State?
2. How does healthcare accessibility affect maternal mortality rates in Yobe State?
3. What barriers hinder healthcare access for pregnant women in Yobe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Healthcare accessibility is negatively correlated with maternal mortality rates in Yobe State.
2. Women in rural areas of Yobe State are more likely to experience poor healthcare access and higher maternal mortality rates compared to women in urban areas.
3. Barriers such as distance to healthcare facilities and the lack of skilled healthcare providers significantly contribute to maternal mortality in Yobe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on investigating healthcare accessibility and its impact on maternal mortality in Yobe State, considering both rural and urban areas. The study will assess factors such as the availability of healthcare facilities, transportation, and skilled personnel. Limitations include challenges in accessing remote areas and potential biases in self-reported data from respondents.
Definition of Terms
• Healthcare Accessibility: The ease with which pregnant women can access healthcare services, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care.
• Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period, usually due to complications that arise from pregnancy or childbirth.
• Barriers to Healthcare Access: Obstacles such as distance, cost, and lack of healthcare infrastructure that limit access to essential healthcare services.
• Skilled Birth Attendants: Healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and midwives, who are trained to provide care during childbirth and manage complications.
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