Exploring Women’s Experiences, Maternal Practices and Problems in the Utilization of Maternal Health Services in Kwara State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study
Salami Abdulganiyu *
Department of Economics, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria.
Adofu Ilemona
Department of Economics, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To examine the women’s experiences, maternal practices and problems faced in the utilization of maternal health services in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Methodology: An inductive and thematic analytical approach was adopted in analyzing the qualitative responses obtained from the respondents.
Results: The study found that women indulge in medical pluralism and that the optimal utilization of maternal health services was hindered by unfriendly attitudes of some healthcare providers and inadequacy of drugs in many of the clinics.
Conclusions: The study concluded that the utilization of maternal health services is influenced by the attitudes of healthcare providers and the availability of affordable drugs and that medical pluralism is a common healthcare practice of some of the respondents.
Keywords: Maternal health services, medical pluralism, health personnel, thematic approach.