Choice of Place of Antenatal Care among Women of Reproductive Age in a Semiurban Population in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care has an important role in identifying high‑risk pregnancies and improving the chances of safe motherhood particularly in developing countries where obstetric indicators are still poor. The objective of this study was to determine the choices women of reproductive age in Vom, a semirural town at the outskirts of Jos the capital of Plateau State Nigeria made to have antenatal care. Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study carried out between January and March 2015 in Vom, a semirural area about 30 km from Jos the capital of Plateau State among 2,641 (Two thousand six hundred and forty one) women of reproductive age. Results: Fifty‑eight percent of the respondents opted for antenatal care in government‑owned hospitals while 29% chose faith‑based institution which was in their vicinity, 11% favored private hospitals for antenatal care, while 1% chose traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and prayer houses to receive antenatal care. The majority of the respondents (32%) were females between the ages of 40 and 44 years while 22% were aged between 25 and 29 years of age. They were predominantly farmers of the Berom ethnic group and 47% of them had completed primary level of education. Conclusion: Females in the reproductive age in this rural setting in northcentral Nigeria favored government‑owned hospitals as places to receive antenatal care. Their choices were not affected by their educational status varied according to the age ranges of the respondents.