Institutional and Healthcare Provider Factors Influencing Out-of-Hospital Delivery in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajpehs.v4i2.7513Keywords:
Facility delivery, Healthcare providers, Institutional factors, Maternal health, NigeriaAbstract
This study examined institutional and healthcare provider-related factors contributing to out-of-hospital delivery among women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from antenatal and postnatal women attending selected healthcare facilities using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that long distances to health facilities, high costs of maternal healthcare services, poor infrastructure, and inadequate medical equipment significantly influenced women’s decisions to deliver outside hospitals. Additionally, negative attitudes of healthcare providers, including poor communication, lack of empathy, disrespect, and unprofessional conduct, were identified as key deterrents to facility-based childbirth. Chi-square analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between institutional and healthcare provider factors and out-of-hospital delivery (p < 0.05). The study emphasizes the need for health system strengthening, improved accessibility, subsidized maternal healthcare services, and training in respectful maternity care. These interventions are essential to enhance facility-based deliveries and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tari Amakoromo, Helen Idubamo Wankasi, Diepreye Okodoko
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
