부산대학교 도서관

Background: The lack of access to skilled healthcare services during childbirth remains a major factor for high maternal mortality in developing countries as traditional birth attendants (TBAs) continue to serve as the predominant providers of maternal health care in rural communities. This study explores the knowledge and utilization of TBAs by women of reproductive age in a rural community of Ilorin, Kwara state in Nigeria. Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted using a well-structured interviewer-based questionnaire, 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 visiteda TBA at least once to carry out their deliveries, of which 73 (80.2%) of them had successful deliveries, while 18 (19.8%) had complications during their deliveries, and 7 (7.7%) were referred to health care facilities for expert management. The study showed statistical significance between the level of education of respondents and theirpatronage of TBAs (p-value= 0.041), and showed no statistical significance with theirlevel of income. Conclusion: This study showed adequate knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs by members of the community. The practice of TBAs has continued to thrive in rural communities. Integrating their services with the standard healthcare system as well as continuous sensitization of rural communities on their roles and limitations would go a long way in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with the use of poorly trained TBAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]