EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS BY MIDWIFE SERVICE SCHEME IN PROMOTING SAFE CHILDBIRTH PRACTICES IN SELECT KEFFI COMMUNITIES OF NASARAWA STATE
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- NGN 3000
Background of the Study
A community's general health can be inferred from the health and well-being of its mothers and babies, which are both important markers of health. In order to lower the rates of maternal and newborn death, which continue to be higher than average in many developing countries, including Nigeria, safe delivery practices are absolutely necessary. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that every single day, more than 800 women lose their lives due to preventable causes that are associated with pregnancy and delivery. Furthermore, 99% of these fatalities take place in underdeveloped countries (WHO, 2021).
It is among the highest in the world that the rates of maternal and newborn mortality are found in Nigeria. According to the National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria, the maternal death ratio in 2018 was 512 per 100,000 live births, which is much higher than the average for the entire world (NPC, 2018). This concerning number highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to encourage safe delivery practices and emphasises the urgency of the situation.
One example of such an intervention is the Midwife Service Scheme (MSS) carried out in Nigeria. According to the Federal Ministry of Health (2015), the Multi-Sectoral Support System (MSS) was initiated by the government of Nigeria in conjunction with development partners with the intention of addressing the critical scarcity of qualified birth attendants in rural and neglected areas. By deploying trained midwives to primary healthcare centres, the programme ensures that important mother and newborn health services are provided. These services include antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal care.
Information and communication efforts pertaining to health are an essential part of the MSS. In addition to encouraging pregnant women and their families to adjust their behaviours, the purpose of these efforts is to increase knowledge about safe delivery procedures. According to Kreps and Thornton's research from 2020, effective health communication has the potential to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, which ultimately results in improved health outcomes.
Through the implementation of a variety of health communication initiatives, the Ministry of Social Services (MSS) has been actively involved in the promotion of safe childbirth practices in the Keffi communities of Nasarawa State. The use of media outlets such as radio and community theatre are examples of these. Other examples include community outreach programmes, the distribution of informational documents, and outreach programmes. For the purpose of optimising the MSS and making certain that it achieves its goals, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the success of these campaigns.
In order to determine whether or not the health communication programmes that have been implemented by the MSS to promote safe delivery practices in certain Keffi areas have been successful, this study will be conducted. The purpose of this study is to provide insights that can make a contribution to the decrease of maternal and newborn mortality in Nigeria by measuring the impact of these campaigns and providing information that can be used to drive future health communication efforts.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the efforts of the MSS, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high in many parts of Nigeria, including Nasarawa State. While the deployment of skilled midwives has increased access to maternal health services, there are concerns about the effectiveness of health communication campaigns in changing behaviors and promoting safe childbirth practices.
Previous studies have highlighted several challenges facing health communication campaigns in rural communities. These include cultural beliefs and practices that conflict with modern medical advice, low literacy levels that hinder the understanding of health messages, and limited access to media channels (Ogunjimi, Ibe, & Ikorok, 2012). Additionally, there is a lack of empirical data on the specific impact of MSS health communication campaigns in promoting safe childbirth practices in Keffi communities.
This study addresses this gap by evaluating the reach, comprehension, and behavioral impact of MSS health communication campaigns in Keffi. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these campaigns, the study aims to provide recommendations for enhancing their effectiveness.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The primary objectives of this study are:
- To assess the level of awareness and knowledge about safe childbirth practices among women in Keffi communities.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MSS health communication campaigns in promoting safe childbirth practices.
- To identify the factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of safe childbirth practices in the study area.
- To provide recommendations for improving health communication strategies to enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
1.4 Research Questions
- The study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What is the level of awareness and knowledge about safe childbirth practices among women in Keffi communities?
- How effective are MSS health communication campaigns in promoting safe childbirth practices in these communities?
- What are the main factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of safe childbirth practices?
- What improvements can be made to MSS health communication strategies to better promote safe childbirth practices?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides empirical data on the effectiveness of MSS health communication campaigns, which can inform policy decisions and program designs aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health. Secondly, the findings can help identify best practices and areas for improvement in health communication strategies. Thirdly, by understanding the factors influencing the adoption of safe childbirth practices, the study can contribute to more targeted and culturally sensitive interventions. Lastly, the study supports the broader goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria, aligning with global health priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1.6 Scope and Delimitations
The scope of this study is limited to selected communities in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The study focuses on women of reproductive age who have been exposed to MSS health communication campaigns. It evaluates the effectiveness of these campaigns in promoting safe childbirth practices, specifically looking at awareness, knowledge, and behavioral changes. The study does not cover other aspects of the MSS, such as the quality of midwifery services or the broader healthcare infrastructure.
1.7 Definition of Key Terms
Health Communication Campaigns: Structured efforts to inform and influence individual and community decisions to enhance health outcomes.
Midwife Service Scheme (MSS): A Nigerian government initiative aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health by deploying skilled midwives to rural areas.
Safe Childbirth Practices: Medical and behavioral practices that ensure the health and safety of both mother and child during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy.
Neonatal Mortality: The death of a newborn within the first 28 days of life.
Behavioral Change: The adoption of practices that improve health outcomes based on awareness and knowledge gained from health communication efforts.
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