Utilisation of skilled birth attendance in Northern Nigeria: A cross-sectional survey

Objectiveto determine the level and determinants for utilisation of Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA).Methodsa population-based survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted in Goya and Tundunya political wards of Katsina state from May to June 2012. Four hundred women aged 15–49 years who had delivered a baby within two years prior to the study were asked about birth attendance during antenatal care (ANC), childbirth and postnatal period of their most recent birth. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain independent predictors of skilled birth attendance (SBA).Findingsof the 400 women recruited for the study, 145 (36.3%) received antenatal care, 52 (13%) had their births assisted by skilled personnel and 88 (22%) received postnatal care from skilled birth attendants. Of the 52 women who had their births attended by skilled birth attendants only 29 (56%) had their births in a health facility. Maternal education, husband's occupation, presence of complication and previous place of childbirth were found to be statistically significant predictors for SBA utilisation. Barriers to SBA utilisation identified included lack of health care provider, lack of equipment and supplies and poverty. Enablers mentioned included availability of staff, husband's approval and affordable service.Conclusionwomen are more likely to utilise SBA with the availability of skilled personnel, strengthening of the health system and intervention to remove user fees for maternal health services. Joint effort should be made by government and community leaders to promote girl's education and to encourage men's involvement in maternal health services.