Academe Research Journals

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Science Research

Full Length Research Paper

Attitudinal indices as correlate of maternal/child health care services utilization in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Akah, L. U.¹*, Emeribe, V. C.¹ and Edem, E. M. A.²

¹Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

²University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Cross River State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: leviakah@gmail.com.

Accepted 17 October, 2013

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between attitude indices and utilization of maternal/child health care services among women in Akpabuyo Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study isolated and examined mothers’ level of education, distance to health care facilities, attitude of health care givers, cultural beliefs, and the utilization of maternal health care services. A validated and reliability certified structured questionnaire was used to generate data from 150 subjects among nursing and pregnant mothers using the convenience sampling technique. Data generated were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. The result of the analysis showed that level of education of mothers, distance to health facilities, attitude of health care givers, and cultural beliefs were significantly related with utilization of maternal/child health care services in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State. Based on the result of the study, the following recommendations among others were proffered: Advocacy and practical approach to the girl-child education should be pursued by the government at all levels; and that adult literacy education should be instituted in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, with maternal and child health as core component of the programme.

Key words: Health care services, maternal and child health, attitude, utilization.