International Archives of Medical and Health Research (IAMHR), pISSN: 2705-1420; eISSN: 2705-1439 
December 2025 Vol 6(1): pp.44-50    DOI: https://doi.org/10.33515/iamhr/2025.022/04

Copyright © 2025 C-International Archives

Original Article

Awareness and Perception of Health Facility Delivery Among Women of Child-Bearing Age in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria

Abubakar Musa,1* Usman Abba,2 Duchi H. Luka,3 Mohammed K. Abdullahi4

1Department of Community Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University/Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria.

2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria.

3Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Kaduna, Nigeria.

4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University/Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria.

 

*Corresponding Author’s Email: amusa2@atbu.edu.ng

Published March 22, 2026

 


ABSTRACT

Background: Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with many deaths occurring during childbirth. Delivery in health facilities with skilled attendants significantly reduces maternal and neonatal complications. However, home delivery remains common in many rural communities due to sociocultural beliefs, poor access to health services, and financial constraints. Evidence on women’s awareness and perceptions of health facility delivery (HFD) in Jema’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State is limited. Aim: To assess the awareness and perception of health facility delivery among women of childbearing age in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 women aged 15–49 years who had delivered at least once. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from four wards and their communities. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 24. Results: The mean age of respondents was 23.4 ± 7.8 years. Most were married (88.8%), had a primary education (44.8%), and were engaged in business (42.0%). Awareness of HFD was high (78.0%), mainly through health workers (50.0%). Although 84.4% preferred HFD, home delivery remained common (50.0%). Perceived benefits included availability of medical equipment (36.0%) and skilled attendants (22.0%). Major barriers were distance (36.0%) and cost (22.0%). Spouses/partners influenced delivery decisions in 50.0% of cases. Conclusion: Despite high awareness and preference for HFD, sociocultural and access barriers persist. Addressing affordability, accessibility, and male involvement may improve utilization of skilled delivery services.

 

Keywords: Health Facility Delivery, Awareness, Perception, Childbearing women, Kaduna

 

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