The effect of economic hardship on maternal healthcare utilization in Kano State
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Background of the Study
Economic hardship remains a pervasive challenge in many parts of Nigeria, with Kano State being no exception. In recent years, deteriorating household incomes, high unemployment, and inflation have contributed to significant financial constraints among families. Maternal healthcare utilization is particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures. Women facing economic hardship often experience difficulties in accessing prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. These challenges are compounded by indirect costs such as transportation, lost wages, and fees for ancillary services. Studies have shown that when families struggle financially, decisions about healthcare are frequently deferred or neglected, leading to delays in antenatal care and increased risk during childbirth. In Kano State, cultural expectations and socio-economic disparities further influence healthcare-seeking behavior, where poor households are less likely to afford quality care.
Furthermore, economic hardship may force households to prioritize immediate survival needs over preventive health measures. This trade-off results in lower utilization of maternal health services, increased complications during pregnancy, and higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Local health facilities have reported that many expectant mothers delay or completely forgo essential checkups due to financial barriers. The interplay between economic deprivation and limited access to quality healthcare not only affects the health of mothers but also has long-term consequences for child health and family well-being. The role of community support systems, government subsidies, and non-governmental organization (NGO) interventions is critical in mitigating these challenges; however, their reach and effectiveness remain uneven. This study intends to investigate the multifaceted relationship between economic hardship and maternal healthcare utilization in Kano State by integrating quantitative household data with qualitative insights from community members and healthcare providers. The findings are expected to inform policy interventions aimed at reducing financial barriers, enhancing service delivery, and ultimately improving maternal health outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
In Kano State, economic hardship has emerged as a critical barrier to maternal healthcare utilization. Despite government efforts to subsidize healthcare services and improve facility access, many women still forgo essential maternal care due to financial constraints. Inadequate household incomes force families to prioritize basic survival needs, often resulting in delayed or skipped antenatal visits, poor nutrition during pregnancy, and insufficient postnatal care. Health facilities report increased complications during delivery and postpartum periods, underscoring the impact of economic challenges on maternal outcomes. The situation is further aggravated by indirect costs—such as transportation and opportunity costs—which are rarely addressed by current public health programs. The gap between policy intent and on-the-ground realities leaves many vulnerable women at risk, thereby undermining the overall goals of maternal health improvement in the region. This study seeks to bridge the data gap by examining the extent to which economic hardship influences healthcare utilization, identifying the key financial and social barriers, and proposing targeted strategies to mitigate these obstacles (Olayinka, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
1. To determine the relationship between economic hardship and maternal healthcare service utilization in Kano State.
2. To identify financial and non-financial barriers affecting maternal healthcare uptake.
3. To propose policy recommendations for reducing economic barriers to maternal care.
Research Questions
1. How does economic hardship affect the frequency and quality of maternal healthcare utilization?
2. What are the key barriers—both direct and indirect—that prevent women from accessing maternal health services?
3. What policy interventions can mitigate the financial obstacles to maternal healthcare?
Research Hypotheses
1. Economic hardship is significantly associated with reduced maternal healthcare utilization.
2. Direct costs and indirect opportunity costs both play critical roles in limiting access to maternal health services.
3. Implementing targeted financial support measures will increase the utilization of maternal healthcare services.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on selected urban and rural communities in Kano State. Data will be collected through household surveys, interviews with healthcare providers, and focus group discussions with women of reproductive age. Limitations include potential self-report bias and challenges in isolating economic factors from other socio-cultural influences.
Definitions of Terms
• Economic Hardship: Financial difficulties experienced by households that limit their ability to afford essential goods and services.
• Maternal Healthcare Utilization: The frequency and extent to which pregnant women access healthcare services before, during, and after childbirth.
• Indirect Costs: Non-medical expenses associated with healthcare, such as transportation and lost income
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