Patterns of Utilization of Orthodox and/or Traditional Healthcare Services among Pregnant Women and Mothers of Under-Five Children in a Rural community: Case Study of Njaba; Imo State; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: It has been stated that poor utilization of quality reproductive health service continues to contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Objective: The objective was to investigate the pattern of orthodox and/or traditional healthcare utilization among pregnant women and mothers of under.five children in Njaba and associated factors. Materials and Methods: A. cross.sectional survey of 422 women using multi.stage sampling; data collection instrument was a semi.structured interviewer.administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS. (16.0) and Mathcad 7 professional. Frequency distributions and percentages were tabulated; Z.test was applied as a test of significance; and confidence intervals. (CIs) calculated. P 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ante.natal choice of care for 83.65 of them was orthodox healthcare; while 11.37 used traditional healthcare. Experienced/trained staff. (Z-score