The Socio-cultural Behaviours of Women’s Health Facilities Utilisation in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study looks at the influence of socio-cultural behaviours and women’s health facilities utilisations in northern Nigeria. A Pearson’s correlation statistical analysis was employed using a questionnaire administered to 315 women between the ages of 15 and 45 years. The findings indicate husband’s permission had strong significant relationships to antenatal care services (ANC). In addition, there were strong significant relationships between women limited freedom and female genital mutilation in terms of skilled delivery (DC) as well as husband’s permission and limited freedom of women among others. Also, a strong significant relationship exists between the postnatal care services (PNC) and limited women freedom as well as with home delivery and hot-bathing practices among others. To improve women health care utilisation and maternal health in northern Nigeria, this study provides useful planning information drawn from the women sociocultural behaviours leading to the consequent low modern health facilities utilisations.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p517