MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING UPTAKE OF ANTENATAL SERVICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN SECONDARY AND TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

 
This study investigates the motivational factors influencing the uptake of antenatal services among pregnant women 
attending secondary and tertiary health institutions in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Despite global efforts 
to improve maternal health, Nigeria continues to experience significant maternal and neonatal mortality rates, largely 
attributed to poor antenatal care (ANC) utilization. This research employed a cross-sectional design with a multistage 
sampling technique to select 260 pregnant women as respondents from three health institutions in the study area. Data 
were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study revealed a significant 
relationship between the regularity of ANC visits and motivational factors such as healthcare workers' attitudes, the 
availability of healthcare facilities, and family support. However, community interventions had minimal influence on 
ANC uptake. Based on the findings, it is recommended that continuous education and training be provided to 
healthcare workers, and that group antenatal care be adopted for efficiency. Future research should extend to rural 
communities to provide a broader understanding of ANC utilization.