Abstract
Developing countries grapple with poor maternal health outcomes, and the Niger Delta is no exception. Discourses in the Niger Delta have been dominated by oil resource, with suboptimal attention paid to health outcomes in the region. This study investigated barriers to utilization of maternal health care services in the Okrika local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were sourced through focus group discussions organized for 21 health care professionals and 24 mothers residing in the area. Analysis was done thematically, relying on relevant qualitative analytical tools. Poor income, ignorance, absence of social support, religion and culture, and health care system inefficiencies were the barriers associated with utilization of maternal health care services. It was clear that maternal health outcomes and the state of health care generally in the Niger Delta do not reflect the enormous resources generated from oil that is plentiful in the region. Results point to an evident need for social work expertise to mitigate these barriers in view of improving health outcomes in the region.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 59-67 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Health and Social Work |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 26 Feb 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2021 |
Keywords
- Health social work
- Maternal health care
- Maternal mortality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)