Background of the Study:
Maternal mortality remains a critical indicator of a region’s healthcare quality and overall socio-economic development. In Niger State, high maternal mortality rates are closely associated with pervasive poverty. Poverty limits access to quality prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, which are essential for preventing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. In Niger State, women from low-income households are more likely to experience delays in seeking care, inadequate medical attention during labor, and insufficient follow-up care after delivery (Okeke, 2023). These factors contribute significantly to maternal deaths and highlight the urgent need to address the socioeconomic determinants of maternal health.
Poverty affects maternal health in several ways. Financial constraints prevent many women from affording transportation to healthcare facilities, paying for services, or accessing skilled birth attendants. Additionally, poverty is often linked to lower levels of education, which in turn limits awareness of maternal health needs and available services. Cultural factors and gender inequalities further exacerbate the situation, as women may have limited decision-making power regarding their healthcare (Aminu, 2024). Despite efforts by the government and international agencies to reduce maternal mortality through targeted interventions, the impact of poverty continues to undermine these initiatives.
This study aims to investigate the relationship between poverty and maternal mortality in Niger State. By analyzing socioeconomic data alongside maternal health indicators, the research will examine how poverty-related factors contribute to the risk of maternal death. The study will also assess the effectiveness of existing maternal health programs in mitigating these risks and identify areas where targeted interventions can improve outcomes. Understanding this relationship is critical for developing comprehensive policies that address both the healthcare and socio-economic needs of pregnant women in Niger State (Fatima, 2025).
Statement of the Problem :
In Niger State, maternal mortality rates remain unacceptably high, with poverty being a key contributing factor. Women living in impoverished conditions often lack access to quality healthcare, face financial barriers to obtaining necessary medical services, and are less likely to receive education about maternal health. These conditions lead to delays in seeking care and poor utilization of antenatal and postnatal services, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth (Ibrahim, 2023). The persistence of maternal deaths, despite existing healthcare interventions, suggests that current programs do not adequately address the socioeconomic determinants of maternal health.
Moreover, the burden of poverty in Niger State is compounded by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited availability of skilled birth attendants, and cultural practices that further restrict women’s access to medical care. The lack of targeted interventions to alleviate these economic constraints results in a vicious cycle where poverty and poor maternal health reinforce each other. This situation not only affects individual families but also undermines the broader socioeconomic development of the state (Umar, 2024).
This study seeks to systematically explore the relationship between poverty and maternal mortality in Niger State. By identifying the critical poverty-related barriers to accessing maternal healthcare, the research aims to provide actionable recommendations for reducing maternal mortality through integrated socioeconomic and healthcare interventions.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses on maternal health in rural and urban areas of Niger State. Limitations include challenges in obtaining comprehensive health records and potential underreporting of maternal deaths.
Definitions of Terms:
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