Maternal morbidity and mortality remain critical public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria experiencing persistent disparities in the use of skilled birth attendants (SBAs). SBAs, including trained midwives, nurses, and physicians, are crucial for reducing complications during childbirth, yet many women in Nigeria face barriers to accessing these services. This study explores factors influencing the utilisation of skilled birth services among pregnant women in Ethiope West, Delta State. Evidence indicates that both structural and demand-side factors shape delivery choices. Structural constraints include distance to health facilities, costs, and the availability of quality care, while demand-side factors encompass educational attainment, socio-economic status, marital and household dynamics, and perceptions of care quality. Interpersonal quality of care, including respectful and dignified treatment, strongly affects women’s willingness to seek facility-based care, with negative experiences prompting some to prefer traditional or faith-based providers. Sociocultural norms, family influence, and partner support further mediate access to skilled delivery services. Women with higher education levels and supportive household structures are more likely to utilize SBAs, highlighting the interplay between health literacy, autonomy, and social capital in care-seeking behaviors. Understanding these multidimensional determinants is essential for designing effective interventions that promote equitable access to skilled maternal care. This study underscores the importance of integrated strategies that address both structural barriers and social influences, including community engagement, education, and respectful maternity care, to increase SBA utilization and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in Delta State.
Adebimpe Folasade Prof. Olumide (Mon,) studied this question.