Socio-Economic Differentials of Antenatal Health Care Utilisation in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study examined how socio-economic factors influence the pattern of antenatal care (ANC) utilization. Specifically, the patterns of ANC was analysed while statistical association between socio-economic factors and ANC utilisation was analysed using chi-square analysis. Andersen Behavioural Theoretical Model guided the research process. This is a cross-sectional survey with the use of structured interviews for data collection among nursing mothers aged 15-49 years with at least a child aged one year. Multi-stage random sampling was used to identify and contact the 444 household respondents across six local government areas of the State, that is, two local government areas from each of the three senatorial districts. A pretest was conducted to assure of the reliability of the instruments while pilot test was conducted for validity. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 was used for data analysis. Findings show that nursing mothers have adequate knowledge of ANC and child health services. 87% of the mothers utilized modern ANC while about 13% utilized the traditional or spiritual healing homes. Over 80% have at least two ANC contacts and there was average of five contacts starting in the first trimester. Age, income, religion, ethnic status are significant explants of utilization of ANC while employment status, level of educational, marital status are not. The most significant factor is the positive relationship of Income to patronage of modern ANC service and the need to improve access of non-Yoruba ethnic group women to ANC and other maternal and child health care services. Availability Family support and improved economic status are booster factors to ANC utilisation and promotion of maternal and child health care utilisation.