This study examined how primigravida (first-time pregnant women or those who have delivered their first baby within the past 42 days) access information about maternal health services in Fatima Village, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The research focused on the issue of underutilization of maternal healthcare services despite high maternal mortality rates in Nigeria, particularly in rural northern areas, hence the choice of Fatima Village for the study.
The study aimed to:
- Identify the types of maternal healthcare services known to primigravida in Fatima Village.
- Determine the sources from which these women obtain information about maternal health.
- Understand how they access information on maternal health services.
- Explore their experiences related to maternal health.
- Identify barriers to accessing maternal health services.
The research addressed four key questions:
1. What are the experiences of primigravida in Fatima Village regarding access to information on maternal health?
2. What maternal health services are known to these women?
3. What sources of information on maternal health services are available to them?
4. What barriers do they face in accessing these services?
A hermeneutic (phenomenological) approach was used to investigate the direct experiences of the participants without preconceived notions. The study involved all reproductive women in Fatima Village, with ten primigravida recruited through snowball sampling. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and analyzed manually using an iterative method, resulting in sixteen categories, thirty-eight sub-categories, and ninety-three open codes.
Findings revealed that primigravida faced challenges such as irregular menstruation, spotting, cravings, altered sense of smell, morning sickness, and frequent urination. They accessed information about maternal health mainly through informal sources, such as social networks, and perceived maternal health services as something needed only in case of complications. They predominantly relied on traditional birth attendants (TBAs) for delivery and viewed maternal health services as services for the elite. A significant barrier identified was their lack of awareness about the benefits of maternal health services.
The study recommended using information and communication technology (ICT) tools and posters to better disseminate information on the benefits of maternal health services to primigravida in rural areas.
