Evaluating Religious Influences on the Utilization of Maternal Health Services among Muslim and Christian Women in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Uptake of antenatal services is low in Nigeria; however, indicators in the Christian-dominated South have been better than in the Muslim-dominated North.

This study evaluated religious influences on utilization of general and HIV-related maternal health services among women in rural and periurban North-Central Nigeria.

Materials and Methods.

Targeted participants were HIV-positive, pregnant, or of reproductive age in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa.

Themes explored were utilization of facility-based services, provider gender preferences, and Mentor Mother acceptability.

Thematic and content approaches were applied to manual data analysis.

Results.

Sixty-eight (68) women were recruited, 72% Christian and 28% Muslim.

There were no significant religious influences identified among barriers to maternal service uptake.

All participants stated preference for facility-based services.

Uptake limitations were mainly distance from clinic and socioeconomic dependence on male partners rather than religious restrictions.

Neither Muslim nor Christian women had provider gender preferences; competence and positive attitude were more important.

All women found Mentor Mothers highly acceptable.

Conclusion.

Barriers to uptake of maternal health services appear to be minimally influenced by religion.

ANC/PMTCT uptake interventions should target male partner buy-in and support, healthcare provider training to improve attitudes, and Mentor Mother program strengthening and impact assessment.