Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Maternal Health Care Use in Nigeria

Abstract

According to World Health Organization (2016), in spite of the general improvement being witnessed in healthcare delivery globally; maternal and infant mortality rates are very alarming in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Thousands of women and children lose their lives annually due to inadequacy of health facilities, shortage of medical personnel and low level of medical awareness among women. Socioeconomic and demographic factors also play significant roles in influencing women access to maternal health services, and have become a subject of debate among researchers. Using Demographic and Health Survey data, this study investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors on maternal health in Nigeria. It was found that socioeconomic factors are significant predictors of maternal healthcare. On this premise, policy makers, relevant non-governmental and international organizations are advised to put in place policies that can improve the socioeconomic status of women and their husbands in Nigeria.