Traditional variables and utilization of health care services among women of childbearing age in Bekwarra local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Improvement in maternal healthcare for women of child-bearing age at the grassroots level has necessitated the need to access and use health care services. Previous studies focused mainly on demographic, economic, and some social factors, with little concentration on traditional variables, such as cultural and religious practices, particularly among women of child-bearing age.

Purpose: This study examined the effect of cultural and religious factors on the utilization of health care services among women of child-bearing age in the Bekwarra Local Government Area of the Cross River State, Nigeria.

Methodology: For this study, descriptive survey design was used. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a total of 217 respondents from the ten wards of the Bekwarra LGA of Cross River State. A self-developed questionnaire with a reliability value of 0.84 was used as the instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed with the use of inferential statistics of simple linear regression. 

Results: The outcome of the study showed that cultural practices and religious beliefs significantly affect the utilization of health care services among women of child-bearing age in Bekwarra LGA

Recommendations: based on the findings of the study it was recommended that traditional rulers, clan heads and village heads should be educated on the need to sensitize their subjects especially women of child bearing age to seek and utilize health care services in their area to reduce maternal and infant mortality rate.