Mothers’ Interventions towards Reduction of Maternal Mortality in some Selected Rural Communities in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The high prevalence rate of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa despite innumerable interventions within and without has rendered the phenomenon a startling demographic challenge in the region. While several of these efforts could be considered as ‘top-to-bottom approaches’, efforts have been devoted to the examination of the individual perspective on these initiatives and actions in order to determine personal responsibility by mothers who are the vulnerable victims. The study therefore assessed mothers’ intervention in reduction of maternal mortality in some selected rural communities in Southwerstern Nigeria. A quantitative primary data generated with the aid of structured questionnaire was used in conjunction with focus group discussions. A random sampling size of 218 women in child bearing age (15-49) from four enumeration areas of two local government areas in two states. The result shows that age, religious affiliation and husband’s occupation are significantly
related to the registration for antenatal care. It also revealed that women who married at older ages, who are currently with higher number of children who are involved in occupational activities, are likely to suffer pregnancy complications.. The research positioned that most pregnancy related problems and maternal death could be summoned by enlightenment of married women and prospective mothers on ‘marital antenatalic life’