The Knowledge and Utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants by Women in a Rural Community of Ilorin, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: One of the major factors contributing towards high maternal morbidity and mortality in many developing countries is the lack of access to skilled maternal healthcare services, as traditional birth attendants (TBAs) continue to serve as predominant providers of maternal healthcare in many rural communities. Aim: This study explores the knowledge and utilization of TBAs by women in a rural community, in order to identify healthcare gaps towards the provision of needed intervention. Study Design: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted in Alanamu community of Ilorin, northern Nigeria, in the year 2019. Methodology: A well-structured interviewer based questionnaire was administered to 212 women of reproductive age-group to collect data on their knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs. Analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 20. Results: One hundred and fifty three respondents (72.2%) had background knowledge of TBAs, 91 (40.8%) had visited a TBA at least once to carry out their deliveries, of which 73 (80.2%) of them had successful deliveries, 18 (19.8%) had complications during their deliveries, of which 7 (7.7%) were referred to health care facilities for expect management. The study showed statistical significance between the level of education of respondents and their patronage of TBAs with a P-value of .04. Conclusion: Our study showed adequate knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs by members of the community. The use of TBAs has continued to thrive in this rural community especially among the uneducated population and has been associated with maternal complications. The integration of TBAs with standard healthcare system as well as continuous sensitization of the public on their roles and limitations would go a long way in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with the use of untrained TBAs.