Socio-Cultural Determinants and Maternal Mortality in Cross River Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined socio-cultural determinants and maternal mortality in of Cross River Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the effect of literacy level of women, and financial cost of healthcare services on maternal mortality. Literature was reviewed to show relationship existing between the dependent and independent variables. The study was anchored on the Health Belief model. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design which allowed for the use of questionnaire. Sample of four hundred (400) women of reproductive age were selected from the entire population of Central Senatorial district using Taro Yamane’s sample size determinant. Out of the 400 distributed questionnaire, 384 were retrieved and used for analysis. The data collected were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) technique. The results indicated a significant relationship between women’s literacy levels, the financial costs of healthcare services, and maternal mortality rates. In light of these findings, it was recommended that awareness campaigns extend beyond formal education to reach women of reproductive age, aiming to correct misconceptions regarding the use of prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal healthcare services. It was also advised that healthcare practitioners educate the public on appropriate work limitations for pregnant women to mitigate risks associated with maternal mortality. Furthermore, the government was urged to incorporate and regulate the activities of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to prevent their practices from contributing to maternal deaths.