Background of the Study
Maternal mortality remains a critical public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where limited access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC) significantly contributes to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Emergency obstetric care services are essential for managing complications such as hemorrhage, obstructed labor, eclampsia, and sepsis, which are among the leading causes of maternal deaths (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control [NCDC], 2024).
In Nigeria, maternal mortality remains high due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of skilled birth attendants, and delays in seeking and receiving emergency care (Aliyu & Garba, 2024). Nasarawa State, with its mix of urban and rural populations, faces unique challenges in providing timely and equitable access to EmOC services. Rural communities, in particular, struggle with poor transportation networks, limited healthcare facilities, and financial barriers that hinder access to life-saving obstetric care (Usman et al., 2024).
This study seeks to examine the accessibility of emergency obstetric care services in Nasarawa State, identify key barriers, and propose strategies for improving maternal healthcare outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to improve maternal health services in Nigeria, maternal mortality remains high due to inadequate access to emergency obstetric care (NCDC, 2024). Many women in Nasarawa State, especially in rural areas, face challenges such as long travel distances to health facilities, lack of skilled healthcare providers, and financial constraints (Ogunleye et al., 2024). These barriers result in delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving appropriate medical care, leading to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
Limited research has specifically examined the factors influencing access to emergency obstetric care services in Nasarawa State. This study will fill this gap by analyzing the availability, affordability, and utilization of EmOC services and recommending strategies to enhance maternal healthcare delivery.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the availability of emergency obstetric care services in Nasarawa State.
2. To examine the barriers to accessing emergency obstetric care services.
3. To propose strategies for improving access to quality EmOC services in the state.
Research Questions
1. What is the current availability of emergency obstetric care services in Nasarawa State?
2. What are the major barriers affecting access to emergency obstetric care?
3. What strategies can improve access to quality emergency obstetric care services?
Research Hypotheses
1. Limited availability of healthcare facilities reduces access to emergency obstetric care in Nasarawa State.
2. Financial and transportation barriers significantly impact the utilization of EmOC services.
3. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and training skilled birth attendants will improve maternal health outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on healthcare facilities providing emergency obstetric care in Nasarawa State, analyzing access and utilization challenges. Limitations may include incomplete health records and difficulty in obtaining data from rural communities.
Definitions of Terms
• Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) – Medical interventions provided to manage life-threatening pregnancy and childbirth complications.
• Maternal Mortality – Deaths occurring due to pregnancy-related complications.
• Skilled Birth Attendant – A trained healthcare provider, such as a midwife or doctor, who assists in childbirth.
Background of the Study
Crime is a public wrong. It is an act of offense which violates the law of the state and is stro...
Background of the study
Maternal literacy plays a crucial role in shaping child health outcomes, particularly in the conte...
Background of the Study
Female entrepreneurship has gained prominence as a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment; h...
Background of the Study
Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected...
Background of the Study
The integration of health and education services is critical in ensuring the holi...
Background of the Study
Code-switching, the alternating use of multiple languages in conversation, is a widespread phenomen...
Cancer diagnosis and treatment often lead to significant psy...
Background of the Study
Healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and medical equipment...
Background of the Study
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to economic growth and development, often serving as the back...
ABSTRACT
We have found ourselves in a situation where people all around the world who want to either lose or gain weight or just remain f...