Utilisation of Traditional Maternal Health Care Services Among Rural Women in Oyo State, Nigeria

Maternal mortality remains high in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where many women avail

themselves of traditional maternal health care from unskilled providers such as traditional birth

attendants (TBAs) . This study examined the use of traditional maternal health care among 120

rural women in 3 local government areas in Oyo State, Nigeria. The survey was conducted using

a questionnaire. The results showed that the average age of the respondents was 35 years, most

were married, had no formal education, were traders/farmers, and had a low monthly income The

primary reason for implementing TBA was increased hospital costs. The primary sources of

information were family members. The main services used were alcoholism, umbilical cords,

and infant circumcision. Overall, 57.5% of respondents used TBA sparingly. There were

significant associations between educational level, age, household size, income, source of

information, selection reasons, and use of TBA. They suggest that the government should

improve awareness of the risks associated with TBA practices, reduce hospital costs, ensure

skilled staffing in health facilities, and appropriately train TBAs.