An Appraisal of the Impact of Informal Sector Employment on Maternal Healthcare Access in Borno State
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Background of the Study
The informal sector—comprising small-scale traders, artisans, subsistence farmers, and domestic workers—constitutes a significant portion of Nigeria’s economy. While it provides income opportunities for many women, it often lacks social security benefits such as maternity leave, health insurance, and workplace safety, which are essential for ensuring maternal healthcare access (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2024).
Maternal healthcare access is a fundamental determinant of maternal and child health, yet women engaged in the informal sector often face multiple barriers to accessing antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Financial instability, unpredictable work hours, lack of employer support, and healthcare costs frequently discourage informal workers from seeking medical services (World Bank, 2024). In conflict-affected regions like Borno State, these challenges are further exacerbated by insecurity, displacement, and inadequate health infrastructure.
Given the high maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, improving healthcare access for informal sector workers is essential. However, there is limited research on how informal employment influences maternal healthcare access in Borno State. This study aims to examine the impact of informal sector employment on maternal healthcare-seeking behaviors and propose strategies to improve healthcare access for this vulnerable group.
Statement of the Problem
Women employed in the informal sector in Borno State often face difficulties in accessing maternal healthcare services due to financial instability, lack of employer-provided health benefits, and inflexible work schedules. Unlike formal sector employees who may receive health insurance or paid maternity leave, informal workers must often choose between earning daily wages and attending antenatal visits.
Additionally, healthcare facilities in Borno State are overstretched due to ongoing insecurity and population displacement, making access even more challenging for women working in informal settings. Without targeted interventions, low healthcare utilization among informal sector workers may contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal complications.
This study seeks to evaluate the specific challenges faced by informal sector workers in accessing maternal healthcare and recommend policy interventions to improve maternal health coverage in Borno State.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the level of maternal healthcare access among informal sector workers in Borno State.
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To examine the barriers preventing informal workers from utilizing maternal healthcare services.
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To explore policy measures that can enhance maternal healthcare access for informal sector employees.
Research Questions
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What is the level of maternal healthcare access among women in the informal sector in Borno State?
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What are the major barriers to maternal healthcare access for informal sector workers?
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What policy interventions can improve maternal healthcare utilization among informal workers?
Research Hypotheses
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Women in the informal sector have lower maternal healthcare access compared to those in the formal sector.
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Lack of financial resources is a significant barrier to maternal healthcare utilization among informal workers.
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Government interventions and healthcare subsidies can improve maternal healthcare access for informal sector employees.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on women engaged in informal employment in Borno State, examining their healthcare-seeking behaviors and the challenges they face. Limitations may include difficulties in data collection due to security concerns and underreporting by participants due to fear of losing work opportunities.
Definitions of Terms
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Informal sector employment: Economic activities that are not regulated by government policies, including self-employment and casual labor.
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Maternal healthcare access: The ability of pregnant women to obtain necessary healthcare services, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care.
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Healthcare utilization: The frequency and consistency with which individuals seek and receive medical services.
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