Pregnancy Duration And Choice Of Ante-natal And Delivery Care

1.2 Statement of Problem

Annually, an estimated 529,000 women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth globally. Ninety nine percent (99%) of these antenatal deaths occur in the developing countries and one percent (1%) in the developed countries. This means that every year, close to nine (9) million women suffer some type of injury from pregnancy or childbirth that can have profound effect on their lives and families. Since Nigeria is regarded as a developing country and one of the major sectors of the economy is health which looks to take care of the health status of the people, progress in improving antenatal care, disparities on access to antenatal care remain significant. Women that are with tertiary education are likely to have antenatal care and report four or more antenatal visit as women with secondary or no education. All these are indications that despite the high antenatal coverage, some registrants may not be deriving maximum benefit from the services. Based on these, the researcher intends to find the perception of pregnant women towards antenatal care services and their level of satisfaction.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study was to determine the pregnancy duration and choice of ante-natal and delivery care in Ijebu South while the specific objectives were to:

1. To determine the perception of pregnant women towards the quality of antenatal care services in Ijebu South

2. To examine providers’ processes of care in delivering antenatal services in Ijebu South. 

3. To determine the level of client satisfaction with antenatal services provided in Ijebu South.

1.4 Significance of the Study:

The findings of this study when communicated will:

To the pregnant women: Alleviate the complications resulting from maternal and child mortality rate in Nigeria especially in Ogun State.

To nurses and midwives: Assist in planning and educating pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in NAUTH on the importance of antenatal care services in Nigeria

To the researcher: Acts also as a guide for further studies

1.5 Research Questions

1. What is the perception of pregnant women towards the quality of antenatal care services in Ijebu South?

2. What are the providers’ processes of care in delivering antenatal services in Ijebu South?

3. What is the level of client satisfaction with antenatal services provided in Ijebu South?

1.6 Scope of the Study 

This study is to determine the perception and satisfaction of pregnant women towards the quality of antenatal care services in Ijebu South, Ogun state.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Antenatal: before birth

Pregnancy: the condition from conception to the expulsion of the foetus

Foetus: the term used eight (8) weeks after conception until birth.

Client: pregnant women receiving advice and treatment in the hospital/ antenatal clinic

Perception: an overview of a pregnant woman’s thought, belief, idea and ability to understand the true meaning and impact antenatal care would make towards health, baby, family and entire populace at large.

Quality Antenatal Care: the ability of pregnant women to receive 4 or more antenatal care visits with all necessary care rendered during the visits.

Satisfaction: the extent to which specific needs of pregnant women on antenatal care are met.