RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the uptake of maternal health services; its determinants and the perception of users about these services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Edo North Senatorial Zone of Nigeria. Respondents were selected using a multi- stage sampling technique. A structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The data were analysed using SPSS version 17. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of utilization of these services. RESULTS: A total of 342 respondents participated in the study; with 171(50%) from the sub-urban communities and the other half from the rural communities. The utilization of the ANC services was 79% and 81% for the sub-urban and rural communities respectively. As for delivery services, it varied from 60.2% to 81.3% for the sub-urban and rural communities respectively. Family planning services uptake was about the same for both types of communities; being 43.7% for the sub-urban communities and 44.4% for the rural communities. Educational status and type of community were significantly associated with delivery service utilization. The predictors of the antenatal services utilization included: educational status, cost per illness, self assessment of health, clean environment and sources of information on maternal care. Marital status, average income and type of community were the predictors of family planning services utilization. CONCLUSION: The utilization of maternal services was good; being higher than the national average with the exception of postnatal service, which was completely absent. The major determinants of utilization of maternal health services included educational status and the average monthly income of the respondents. Services were perceived by more than half of the respondents to be generally good. There is need for the provision of the minimum service components of maternal health care services especially postnatal service at the PHC facilities.
