DETERMINANTS OF SKILLED BIRTH SERVICE UTILIZATION AMONG WOMEN IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

Reducing maternal morbidity and mortality remains a critical public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where maternal deaths are disproportionately high. Skilled birth attendance (SBA) has been shown to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes by ensuring competent management of normal deliveries and timely identification or referral of complications. Despite its proven benefits, the utilisation of SBAs in Nigeria is uneven, with significant geographic, socio-economic, and sociocultural disparities influencing access to facility-based childbirth services. Barriers such as limited knowledge, perceived low need, financial constraints, gender norms, and mistrust of health facilities continue to limit demand, even where physical access to primary healthcare facilities exists. Understanding the socio-demographic and health factors that shape SBA utilisation is essential for designing targeted interventions to increase coverage and reduce inequities. This study explores these determinants in Delta State, Nigeria, providing insights to inform policy and programmatic strategies aimed at improving maternal health outcomes