This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improvi... more This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improving the quality and health of women in Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has been identified as the world's second-highest contributor of global maternal deaths with highest cases from the northern region compared to the southern region. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 315 women aged 15-49years from a target population of 89,831 in the study area.Using SPSS version 22 package, descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used for analysis of data.The findings showed there were a total of 121 antenatal care centres in the study area. Critical Analysis indicatedwomen utilisation of services was generally low with only 31.1% of the respondents for antenatal care services, 29.8% for delivery care service, and 26% for postnatal care services. In conclusion, due to inadequate distribution of maternal health facilities in the study area and lack of permission from husband to obtain health care service by the women, the rate of home delivery was on the high side. Therefore, the study recommended implementation of regional interventions that allowed for equitable distribution of maternal health care facilities across the region and campaign for behavioural change towards modern health care facilities utilisations focussing on males/husbands so as to improve the situation.
This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improvi... more This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improving the quality and health of women in Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has been identified as the world's second-highest contributor of global maternal deaths with highest cases from the northern region compared to the southern region. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 315 women aged 15-49years from a target population of 89,831 in the study area.Using SPSS version 22 package, descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used for analysis of data.The findings showed there were a total of 121 antenatal care centres in the study area. Critical Analysis indicatedwomen utilisation of services was generally low with only 31.1% of the respondents for antenatal care services, 29.8% for delivery care service, and 26% for postnatal care services. In conclusion, due to inadequate distribution of maternal health facilities in the study area and lack of permission from husband to obtain health care service by the women, the rate of home delivery was on the high side. Therefore, the study recommended implementation of regional interventions that allowed for equitable distribution of maternal health care facilities across the region and campaign for behavioural change towards modern health care facilities utilisations focussing on males/husbands so as to improve the situation.
The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern hea... more The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern healthcare by the women in developing countries. To assist actualising such goal this study intends to examine the influence of distance to facility, time taken for travel and means of transportation (DTTf) to the health facility. Based on conceptual discussion of Behavioural Model of Health Services' Use, over 300 targeted women aged 15 to 45 years were selected using systematic sampling in three regions of Sokoto, northern Nigeria and IBM-SPSS version 22 statistical software program was employed for data analysis in both descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation analysis. The finding reveals that over 77 percent women are located far away distance from health facility, 2.2percent take over 5 hours of traveling before they can reach to the health centre and 35percent of women use hired motorcycle. Also, there is strong significant relationship between antenatal care services and distance (r = 0.477 and p. < .40) correlation significant at 0.05 (2-tailed) as well as the between delivery care and PNC services. To achieve maximum women access to healthcare, relevant information aimed at proper planning for distribution of health facilities, have been provided for both government and other policy makers in developing countries.
The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern hea... more The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern healthcare by the women in developing countries. To assist actualising such goal this study intends to examine the influence of distance to facility, time taken for travel and means of transportation (DTTf) to the health facility. Based on conceptual discussion of Behavioural Model of Health Services' Use, over 300 targeted women aged 15 to 45 years were selected using systematic sampling in three regions of Sokoto, northern Nigeria and IBM-SPSS version 22 statistical software program was employed for data analysis in both descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation analysis. The finding reveals that over 77 percent women are located far away distance from health facility, 2.2percent take over 5 hours of traveling before they can reach to the health centre and 35percent of women use hired motorcycle. Also, there is strong significant relationship between antenatal care services and distance (r = 0.477 and p. < .40) correlation significant at 0.05 (2-tailed) as well as the between delivery care and PNC services. To achieve maximum women access to healthcare, relevant information aimed at proper planning for distribution of health facilities, have been provided for both government and other policy makers in developing countries.
This paper examines the nature of Kano walled city and challenges of urban renewal. The ancient c... more This paper examines the nature of Kano walled city and challenges of urban renewal. The ancient city of Kano is presently an area posing a serious threat to urban development because the area still retained the morphology of the pre-colonial setting, where buildings are built close to one another and structures are usually separated by narrow winding paths capable of accommodating only pedestrian, donkeys and horses. This area is often the most deteriorating part of the city hence, the need for renewal. A total of seventy three respondents were selected via a combination of purposive and snow ball sampling techniques. The respondents cut across Private Individuals, Corporate and Public developers. The study reveals that the nature of walled city poses serious problem to renewal process and programs and there is high level of resistance by the city dwellers to urban renewal perceiving it as an instrument of exploiting the poor and favouring the rich. The study concludes by recommending ways to enhance urban renewal in the walled city.
This study examines how finance serves as a constraint toward efficient private housing delivery ... more This study examines how finance serves as a constraint toward efficient private housing delivery in Nigeria using Kano metropolitan area as a case study. Finance is very crucial in property development. Without a steady flow of finance, all other factors of property development cannot be assembled. A total of 66 individuals and 6 corporate Respondents were selected via a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The major findings of the study show that inadequate access to finance characterizes both the public and private housing sector and this leads to low private property developers participation in housing provision in the country. Almost all the agencies saddled with the responsibility of providing easy access to housing finance did not live up to the expectation. The study concludes by recommending ways to enhance easy access to sources of finance to private property developers so that they could effectively contribute their own quota in housing delivery in the nation.
This study looks at the influence of socio-cultural behaviours and women’s health facilities util... more This study looks at the influence of socio-cultural behaviours and women’s health facilities utilisations in northern Nigeria. A Pearson’s correlation statistical analysis was employed using a questionnaire administered to 315 women between the ages of 15 and 45 years. The findings indicate husband’s permission had strong significant relationships to antenatal care services (ANC). In addition, there were strong significant relationships between women limited freedom and female genital mutilation in terms of skilled delivery (DC) as well as husband’s permission and limited freedom of women among others. Also, a strong significant relationship exists between the postnatal care services (PNC) and limited women freedom as well as with home delivery and hot-bathing practices among others. To improve women health care utilisation and maternal health in northern Nigeria, this study provides useful planning information drawn from the women sociocultural behaviours leading to the consequent low modern health facilities utilisations.
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of ... more The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of maternal health while maternal mortality is an important indicator of the well-being of women as well as the performance of any state’s health system. Disparities in the provision of health facilities and the relationships between poverty and maternal health are two primary community issues in the Sokoto State of Nigeria. Using relevant data from secondary sources, this study reviews maternal deaths and assesses the availability and quality of health facilities in Sokoto State. It reveals that the percentage of births attended to by a skilled professional ranged from a high of 81.8% in the SE to a low of 9.8% in Sokoto, NW. Similarly, 90.1% of women in Sokoto, NW are more likely to give birth at home compared to 22.5% in the SW. This implies that with 81.2% poverty rate and 900/100,000 maternal mortality rate in the state there is a critical relationship between poverty and the delivery of maternal health services. Thus, to improve maternal health services delivery, the study advocates for more women empowerment programmes in the state. In addition, government needs to provide more funds for the provision of more efficient maternal health facilities in order to reduce the mortality rates of women and children. Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto Stat
ABSTRACT
This study examines the incidence and spatial manifestations of poverty and access to ba... more ABSTRACT This study examines the incidence and spatial manifestations of poverty and access to basic facilities such as education (schools), health, water and electricity in Sokoto metropolis. Using simple random sampling technique, five hundred and five respondents were selected from different morphological units. The results of the study indicate that, in terms of income per month, 20% of the respondents do not earn a kobo. There are one hundred and one schools that comprised primary, secondary and post secondary schools within the metropolis, but not all the people have equal access to the schools in their respective areas. This lack of access is due to the poor conditions of the schools, high poverty level of the parents, and lack of interest in school by the parents among others. In the GRA, lack of access to schools is largely due to poor conditions of the schools of the region that made the parents to send their children to the better schools elsewhere. In the Birni it is due to lack of funds to sponsor children to study. Similarly, there are 45 different health centres within the metropolis, but 8.7% of the populace could not attend any of them even if they are sick due to their high level of poverty. Also within the metropolis, 46.5% of the populace does not have access to tap water in their respective houses, only 25% are connected to the electricity supply. All these explain the poverty levels in different areas of the metropolis. Finally, the study recommends adequate and sustainable investment to overcome urban poverty and enhance accessibility to basic services.
Abstract
This study explores sociocultural and traditional practices associated with maternal hea... more Abstract This study explores sociocultural and traditional practices associated with maternal health in Sokoto state, Nigeria. These practices play significant roles in the life of women folks in the zone. Past researches show that Nigeria is culturally diverse with over 300 different ethnic or linguistic groups and dialects. In this study, sources of data and information include field observations, current literature in international journals, other academic researches, government publications, United Nation reports, USAID resources, and Pathfinder International materials. The findings reveal that tradition-inspired practices and norms such as unattended labour and delivery, low level of education, hot-bath (Wankan jego) during new birth, use of herbs, forced marriage, early marriage, child spacing, female genital mutilation and traditional gender discrimination play a significant role in maternal health, and are believed to account for the high maternal mortality rates in the state. Although such practices are predominant among women with low education attainment their general influence remains strong even in the face of extensive modernisation such that they need to be addressed more squarely if maternal mortality is to be reduced. Hence, the study recommends that instead of investing in the provision of more modern health facilities that are grossly underutilised commensurate effort should be made in tackling traditional beliefs and practices among women in the state.
Being a sensitive development indicator with unacceptably large cross-country differentials, mate... more Being a sensitive development indicator with unacceptably large cross-country differentials, maternal mortality was of great concern in both the ICPD Programme of Action and the Millennium Summit, and improving the maternal health and reducing deaths due to maternal causes were among the adopted goals and targets in both ICPD and the MDGs. Maternal death is defined as a death like no other. The impact of maternal death to the families and communities is devastating especially for surviving children. This article is aimed to discuss these causes of death, with special attention given to the level of health facility provision, access to, and utilisation of healthcare services that are directed towards addressing maternal health issues in Sokoto state, north-western Nigeria. Relevant data was obtained from various secondary sources such as the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA). It was concluded that most maternal deaths are avoidable as medical solutions to prevent or manage the direct or fatal causes are well known. Similarly, reducing poverty and provision of basic infrastructure will improve access to health service delivery thereby reducing the rate of maternal mortality.
Abstract
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical mea... more Abstract The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of maternal health while maternal mortality is an important indicator of the well-being of women as well as the performance of any state’s health system. Disparities in the provision of health facilities and the relationships between poverty and maternal health are two primary community issues in the Sokoto State of Nigeria. Using relevant data from secondary sources, this study reviews maternal deaths and assesses the availability and quality of health facilities in Sokoto State. It reveals that the percentage of births attended to by a skilled professional ranged from a high of 81.8% in the SE to a low of 9.8% in Sokoto, NW. Similarly, 90.1% of women in Sokoto, NW are more likely to give birth at home compared to 22.5% in the SW. This implies that with 81.2% poverty rate and 900/100,000 maternal mortality rate in the state there is a critical relationship between poverty and the delivery of maternal health services. Thus, to improve maternal health services delivery, the study advocates for more women empowerment programmes in the state. In addition, government needs to provide more funds for the provision of more efficient maternal health facilities in order to reduce the mortality rates of women and children. Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto State
This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improvi... more This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improving the quality and health of women in Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has been identified as the world's second-highest contributor of global maternal deaths with highest cases from the northern region compared to the southern region. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 315 women aged 15-49years from a target population of 89,831 in the study area.Using SPSS version 22 package, descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used for analysis of data.The findings showed there were a total of 121 antenatal care centres in the study area. Critical Analysis indicatedwomen utilisation of services was generally low with only 31.1% of the respondents for antenatal care services, 29.8% for delivery care service, and 26% for postnatal care services. In conclusion, due to inadequate distribution of maternal health facilities in the study area and lack of permission from husband to obtain health care service by the women, the rate of home delivery was on the high side. Therefore, the study recommended implementation of regional interventions that allowed for equitable distribution of maternal health care facilities across the region and campaign for behavioural change towards modern health care facilities utilisations focussing on males/husbands so as to improve the situation.
This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improvi... more This paper examined the issues influencing utilisations of maternal health facilities for improving the quality and health of women in Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria. Nigeria has been identified as the world's second-highest contributor of global maternal deaths with highest cases from the northern region compared to the southern region. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 315 women aged 15-49years from a target population of 89,831 in the study area.Using SPSS version 22 package, descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used for analysis of data.The findings showed there were a total of 121 antenatal care centres in the study area. Critical Analysis indicatedwomen utilisation of services was generally low with only 31.1% of the respondents for antenatal care services, 29.8% for delivery care service, and 26% for postnatal care services. In conclusion, due to inadequate distribution of maternal health facilities in the study area and lack of permission from husband to obtain health care service by the women, the rate of home delivery was on the high side. Therefore, the study recommended implementation of regional interventions that allowed for equitable distribution of maternal health care facilities across the region and campaign for behavioural change towards modern health care facilities utilisations focussing on males/husbands so as to improve the situation.
The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern hea... more The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern healthcare by the women in developing countries. To assist actualising such goal this study intends to examine the influence of distance to facility, time taken for travel and means of transportation (DTTf) to the health facility. Based on conceptual discussion of Behavioural Model of Health Services' Use, over 300 targeted women aged 15 to 45 years were selected using systematic sampling in three regions of Sokoto, northern Nigeria and IBM-SPSS version 22 statistical software program was employed for data analysis in both descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation analysis. The finding reveals that over 77 percent women are located far away distance from health facility, 2.2percent take over 5 hours of traveling before they can reach to the health centre and 35percent of women use hired motorcycle. Also, there is strong significant relationship between antenatal care services and distance (r = 0.477 and p. < .40) correlation significant at 0.05 (2-tailed) as well as the between delivery care and PNC services. To achieve maximum women access to healthcare, relevant information aimed at proper planning for distribution of health facilities, have been provided for both government and other policy makers in developing countries.
The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern hea... more The government and other policy makers continue struggles to achieve maximum access of modern healthcare by the women in developing countries. To assist actualising such goal this study intends to examine the influence of distance to facility, time taken for travel and means of transportation (DTTf) to the health facility. Based on conceptual discussion of Behavioural Model of Health Services' Use, over 300 targeted women aged 15 to 45 years were selected using systematic sampling in three regions of Sokoto, northern Nigeria and IBM-SPSS version 22 statistical software program was employed for data analysis in both descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation analysis. The finding reveals that over 77 percent women are located far away distance from health facility, 2.2percent take over 5 hours of traveling before they can reach to the health centre and 35percent of women use hired motorcycle. Also, there is strong significant relationship between antenatal care services and distance (r = 0.477 and p. < .40) correlation significant at 0.05 (2-tailed) as well as the between delivery care and PNC services. To achieve maximum women access to healthcare, relevant information aimed at proper planning for distribution of health facilities, have been provided for both government and other policy makers in developing countries.
This paper examines the nature of Kano walled city and challenges of urban renewal. The ancient c... more This paper examines the nature of Kano walled city and challenges of urban renewal. The ancient city of Kano is presently an area posing a serious threat to urban development because the area still retained the morphology of the pre-colonial setting, where buildings are built close to one another and structures are usually separated by narrow winding paths capable of accommodating only pedestrian, donkeys and horses. This area is often the most deteriorating part of the city hence, the need for renewal. A total of seventy three respondents were selected via a combination of purposive and snow ball sampling techniques. The respondents cut across Private Individuals, Corporate and Public developers. The study reveals that the nature of walled city poses serious problem to renewal process and programs and there is high level of resistance by the city dwellers to urban renewal perceiving it as an instrument of exploiting the poor and favouring the rich. The study concludes by recommending ways to enhance urban renewal in the walled city.
This study examines how finance serves as a constraint toward efficient private housing delivery ... more This study examines how finance serves as a constraint toward efficient private housing delivery in Nigeria using Kano metropolitan area as a case study. Finance is very crucial in property development. Without a steady flow of finance, all other factors of property development cannot be assembled. A total of 66 individuals and 6 corporate Respondents were selected via a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The major findings of the study show that inadequate access to finance characterizes both the public and private housing sector and this leads to low private property developers participation in housing provision in the country. Almost all the agencies saddled with the responsibility of providing easy access to housing finance did not live up to the expectation. The study concludes by recommending ways to enhance easy access to sources of finance to private property developers so that they could effectively contribute their own quota in housing delivery in the nation.
This study looks at the influence of socio-cultural behaviours and women’s health facilities util... more This study looks at the influence of socio-cultural behaviours and women’s health facilities utilisations in northern Nigeria. A Pearson’s correlation statistical analysis was employed using a questionnaire administered to 315 women between the ages of 15 and 45 years. The findings indicate husband’s permission had strong significant relationships to antenatal care services (ANC). In addition, there were strong significant relationships between women limited freedom and female genital mutilation in terms of skilled delivery (DC) as well as husband’s permission and limited freedom of women among others. Also, a strong significant relationship exists between the postnatal care services (PNC) and limited women freedom as well as with home delivery and hot-bathing practices among others. To improve women health care utilisation and maternal health in northern Nigeria, this study provides useful planning information drawn from the women sociocultural behaviours leading to the consequent low modern health facilities utilisations.
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of ... more The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of maternal health while maternal mortality is an important indicator of the well-being of women as well as the performance of any state’s health system. Disparities in the provision of health facilities and the relationships between poverty and maternal health are two primary community issues in the Sokoto State of Nigeria. Using relevant data from secondary sources, this study reviews maternal deaths and assesses the availability and quality of health facilities in Sokoto State. It reveals that the percentage of births attended to by a skilled professional ranged from a high of 81.8% in the SE to a low of 9.8% in Sokoto, NW. Similarly, 90.1% of women in Sokoto, NW are more likely to give birth at home compared to 22.5% in the SW. This implies that with 81.2% poverty rate and 900/100,000 maternal mortality rate in the state there is a critical relationship between poverty and the delivery of maternal health services. Thus, to improve maternal health services delivery, the study advocates for more women empowerment programmes in the state. In addition, government needs to provide more funds for the provision of more efficient maternal health facilities in order to reduce the mortality rates of women and children. Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto Stat
ABSTRACT
This study examines the incidence and spatial manifestations of poverty and access to ba... more ABSTRACT This study examines the incidence and spatial manifestations of poverty and access to basic facilities such as education (schools), health, water and electricity in Sokoto metropolis. Using simple random sampling technique, five hundred and five respondents were selected from different morphological units. The results of the study indicate that, in terms of income per month, 20% of the respondents do not earn a kobo. There are one hundred and one schools that comprised primary, secondary and post secondary schools within the metropolis, but not all the people have equal access to the schools in their respective areas. This lack of access is due to the poor conditions of the schools, high poverty level of the parents, and lack of interest in school by the parents among others. In the GRA, lack of access to schools is largely due to poor conditions of the schools of the region that made the parents to send their children to the better schools elsewhere. In the Birni it is due to lack of funds to sponsor children to study. Similarly, there are 45 different health centres within the metropolis, but 8.7% of the populace could not attend any of them even if they are sick due to their high level of poverty. Also within the metropolis, 46.5% of the populace does not have access to tap water in their respective houses, only 25% are connected to the electricity supply. All these explain the poverty levels in different areas of the metropolis. Finally, the study recommends adequate and sustainable investment to overcome urban poverty and enhance accessibility to basic services.
Abstract
This study explores sociocultural and traditional practices associated with maternal hea... more Abstract This study explores sociocultural and traditional practices associated with maternal health in Sokoto state, Nigeria. These practices play significant roles in the life of women folks in the zone. Past researches show that Nigeria is culturally diverse with over 300 different ethnic or linguistic groups and dialects. In this study, sources of data and information include field observations, current literature in international journals, other academic researches, government publications, United Nation reports, USAID resources, and Pathfinder International materials. The findings reveal that tradition-inspired practices and norms such as unattended labour and delivery, low level of education, hot-bath (Wankan jego) during new birth, use of herbs, forced marriage, early marriage, child spacing, female genital mutilation and traditional gender discrimination play a significant role in maternal health, and are believed to account for the high maternal mortality rates in the state. Although such practices are predominant among women with low education attainment their general influence remains strong even in the face of extensive modernisation such that they need to be addressed more squarely if maternal mortality is to be reduced. Hence, the study recommends that instead of investing in the provision of more modern health facilities that are grossly underutilised commensurate effort should be made in tackling traditional beliefs and practices among women in the state.
Being a sensitive development indicator with unacceptably large cross-country differentials, mate... more Being a sensitive development indicator with unacceptably large cross-country differentials, maternal mortality was of great concern in both the ICPD Programme of Action and the Millennium Summit, and improving the maternal health and reducing deaths due to maternal causes were among the adopted goals and targets in both ICPD and the MDGs. Maternal death is defined as a death like no other. The impact of maternal death to the families and communities is devastating especially for surviving children. This article is aimed to discuss these causes of death, with special attention given to the level of health facility provision, access to, and utilisation of healthcare services that are directed towards addressing maternal health issues in Sokoto state, north-western Nigeria. Relevant data was obtained from various secondary sources such as the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA). It was concluded that most maternal deaths are avoidable as medical solutions to prevent or manage the direct or fatal causes are well known. Similarly, reducing poverty and provision of basic infrastructure will improve access to health service delivery thereby reducing the rate of maternal mortality.
Abstract
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical mea... more Abstract The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of maternal health while maternal mortality is an important indicator of the well-being of women as well as the performance of any state’s health system. Disparities in the provision of health facilities and the relationships between poverty and maternal health are two primary community issues in the Sokoto State of Nigeria. Using relevant data from secondary sources, this study reviews maternal deaths and assesses the availability and quality of health facilities in Sokoto State. It reveals that the percentage of births attended to by a skilled professional ranged from a high of 81.8% in the SE to a low of 9.8% in Sokoto, NW. Similarly, 90.1% of women in Sokoto, NW are more likely to give birth at home compared to 22.5% in the SW. This implies that with 81.2% poverty rate and 900/100,000 maternal mortality rate in the state there is a critical relationship between poverty and the delivery of maternal health services. Thus, to improve maternal health services delivery, the study advocates for more women empowerment programmes in the state. In addition, government needs to provide more funds for the provision of more efficient maternal health facilities in order to reduce the mortality rates of women and children. Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto State
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Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto Stat
This study examines the incidence and spatial manifestations of poverty and access to basic facilities such as education (schools), health, water and electricity in Sokoto metropolis. Using simple random sampling technique, five hundred and five respondents were selected from different morphological units. The results of the study indicate that, in terms of income per month, 20% of the respondents do not earn a kobo. There are one hundred and one schools that comprised primary, secondary and post secondary schools within the metropolis, but not all the people have equal access to the schools in their respective areas. This lack of access is due to the poor conditions of the schools, high poverty level of the parents, and lack of interest in school by the parents among others. In the GRA, lack of access to schools is largely due to poor conditions of the schools of the region that made the parents to send their children to the better schools elsewhere. In the Birni it is due to lack of funds to sponsor children to study. Similarly, there are 45 different health centres within the metropolis, but 8.7% of the populace could not attend any of them even if they are sick due to their high level of poverty. Also within the metropolis, 46.5% of the populace does not have access to tap water in their respective houses, only 25% are connected to the electricity supply. All these explain the poverty levels in different areas of the metropolis. Finally, the study recommends adequate and sustainable investment to overcome urban poverty and enhance accessibility to basic services.
This study explores sociocultural and traditional practices associated with maternal health in Sokoto state, Nigeria.
These practices play significant roles in the life of women folks in the zone. Past researches show that Nigeria is
culturally diverse with over 300 different ethnic or linguistic groups and dialects. In this study, sources of data and
information include field observations, current literature in international journals, other academic researches,
government publications, United Nation reports, USAID resources, and Pathfinder International materials. The
findings reveal that tradition-inspired practices and norms such as unattended labour and delivery, low level of
education, hot-bath (Wankan jego) during new birth, use of herbs, forced marriage, early marriage, child spacing,
female genital mutilation and traditional gender discrimination play a significant role in maternal health, and are
believed to account for the high maternal mortality rates in the state. Although such practices are predominant
among women with low education attainment their general influence remains strong even in the face of extensive
modernisation such that they need to be addressed more squarely if maternal mortality is to be reduced. Hence, the
study recommends that instead of investing in the provision of more modern health facilities that are grossly
underutilised commensurate effort should be made in tackling traditional beliefs and practices among women in the
state.
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of maternal health
while maternal mortality is an important indicator of the well-being of women as well as the performance of any
state’s health system. Disparities in the provision of health facilities and the relationships between poverty and
maternal health are two primary community issues in the Sokoto State of Nigeria. Using relevant data from
secondary sources, this study reviews maternal deaths and assesses the availability and quality of health facilities in
Sokoto State. It reveals that the percentage of births attended to by a skilled professional ranged from a high of
81.8% in the SE to a low of 9.8% in Sokoto, NW. Similarly, 90.1% of women in Sokoto, NW are more likely to
give birth at home compared to 22.5% in the SW. This implies that with 81.2% poverty rate and 900/100,000
maternal mortality rate in the state there is a critical relationship between poverty and the delivery of maternal health
services. Thus, to improve maternal health services delivery, the study advocates for more women empowerment
programmes in the state. In addition, government needs to provide more funds for the provision of more efficient
maternal health facilities in order to reduce the mortality rates of women and children.
Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto State
Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto Stat
This study examines the incidence and spatial manifestations of poverty and access to basic facilities such as education (schools), health, water and electricity in Sokoto metropolis. Using simple random sampling technique, five hundred and five respondents were selected from different morphological units. The results of the study indicate that, in terms of income per month, 20% of the respondents do not earn a kobo. There are one hundred and one schools that comprised primary, secondary and post secondary schools within the metropolis, but not all the people have equal access to the schools in their respective areas. This lack of access is due to the poor conditions of the schools, high poverty level of the parents, and lack of interest in school by the parents among others. In the GRA, lack of access to schools is largely due to poor conditions of the schools of the region that made the parents to send their children to the better schools elsewhere. In the Birni it is due to lack of funds to sponsor children to study. Similarly, there are 45 different health centres within the metropolis, but 8.7% of the populace could not attend any of them even if they are sick due to their high level of poverty. Also within the metropolis, 46.5% of the populace does not have access to tap water in their respective houses, only 25% are connected to the electricity supply. All these explain the poverty levels in different areas of the metropolis. Finally, the study recommends adequate and sustainable investment to overcome urban poverty and enhance accessibility to basic services.
This study explores sociocultural and traditional practices associated with maternal health in Sokoto state, Nigeria.
These practices play significant roles in the life of women folks in the zone. Past researches show that Nigeria is
culturally diverse with over 300 different ethnic or linguistic groups and dialects. In this study, sources of data and
information include field observations, current literature in international journals, other academic researches,
government publications, United Nation reports, USAID resources, and Pathfinder International materials. The
findings reveal that tradition-inspired practices and norms such as unattended labour and delivery, low level of
education, hot-bath (Wankan jego) during new birth, use of herbs, forced marriage, early marriage, child spacing,
female genital mutilation and traditional gender discrimination play a significant role in maternal health, and are
believed to account for the high maternal mortality rates in the state. Although such practices are predominant
among women with low education attainment their general influence remains strong even in the face of extensive
modernisation such that they need to be addressed more squarely if maternal mortality is to be reduced. Hence, the
study recommends that instead of investing in the provision of more modern health facilities that are grossly
underutilised commensurate effort should be made in tackling traditional beliefs and practices among women in the
state.
The health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period is a critical measure of maternal health
while maternal mortality is an important indicator of the well-being of women as well as the performance of any
state’s health system. Disparities in the provision of health facilities and the relationships between poverty and
maternal health are two primary community issues in the Sokoto State of Nigeria. Using relevant data from
secondary sources, this study reviews maternal deaths and assesses the availability and quality of health facilities in
Sokoto State. It reveals that the percentage of births attended to by a skilled professional ranged from a high of
81.8% in the SE to a low of 9.8% in Sokoto, NW. Similarly, 90.1% of women in Sokoto, NW are more likely to
give birth at home compared to 22.5% in the SW. This implies that with 81.2% poverty rate and 900/100,000
maternal mortality rate in the state there is a critical relationship between poverty and the delivery of maternal health
services. Thus, to improve maternal health services delivery, the study advocates for more women empowerment
programmes in the state. In addition, government needs to provide more funds for the provision of more efficient
maternal health facilities in order to reduce the mortality rates of women and children.
Keywords: health facilities, human development, maternal health, maternal mortality, poverty, Sokoto State