Factors Influencing the Use of Traditional Birth Attendants in Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The number of women dying annually from pregnancy and child birth related issues still remains a global health problem. Current statistics in maternal mortality as recorded by World Health Organization shows that there has been a reduction in maternal deaths, however there has not been much progress in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria is the second largest contributor to maternal mortality globally. This has been due to low utilization of maternal health services, including skilled birth attendant. Rather there is a high use of traditional birth attendant. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the use of Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA). Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevelance of traditional birth attendant use among women in Amassoma, characterize maternal health care services available for pregnant in Amassoma, identify socio economic influencing the use of the services of the traditional birth attendant. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out in Amassoma with a sample size of 401 women in their reproductive age (15-49), who have given birth in the last five years (2014-2019). Structured questionnaires were used in collecting data; the questionnaire was made up of three sections, which are socio demographic and economic data, prevalence of the use of traditional birth attendant, and the kind of health services available for pregnant women in Amassoma community. Stata version 15.0 was used in analyzing data. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis were used to examine factors influencing the use of TBA. Results: Out of the 401 women, 78% to have used the services of a TBA. More than half of the participants knows another woman who has used the services of a TBA. Seventy three percent (73%) of the participant responded that they can easily asses a government health facility, 63% responded that they can easily access the services of a traditional birth attendant, and 25% have access to private facilities. 143 of the participants responded that they will not use the services of a skilled birth attendant because of poor service, and 127 responded that cost of service is a barrier to the use of skilled birth attendant. Conclusion: From the studies the prevalence of traditional birth attendant use is high. Poor service by health workers, high cost of delivery and absence of health workers are factors influencing the use of traditional birth. It is recommended that training and reorientation of health workers should be done in order for them to offer better health services, the Bayelsa State government should include maternal health services in the state health insurance scheme for all residents, and awareness should be created on the use of skilled birth attendants during deliver