PERCEIVED FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS’ SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN ILORIN SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the Perceived Factors Influencing the Utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) 
Services Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. It 
examines sociodemographic characteristics, and factors responsible for the utilization of services of Traditional Birth 
Attendants, and recommends appropriate measures based on identified gaps. A cross-sectional study was conducted 
in selected communities within Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State. The population involved women 
of reproductive age. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The sample size of 245 women was 
determined using Fisher’s formula. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select participants. The results 
indicate a significant relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics (age, place of delivery, education 
level, husband's education level, occupation, and monthly income) and TBA utilization at a p-value of 0.0001 for all 
sociodemographic characteristics were less than 0.05 (p<0.05) when using a chi-square test level of significant 
association threshold at a p-value of 0.05. As a result, the alternative hypothesis was accepted and the null hypothesis, 
which suggests no correlation between sociodemographic traits and the use of TBAs, was rejected. The study 
highlighted the complex interplay of cultural norms, healthcare access, financial considerations, and personal 
experiences in influencing childbirth decisions. The preference for TBAs, driven by their perceived friendly and 
professional attitudes, underscores the need for integrating TBAs within the healthcare system. The findings suggest 
a need for targeted interventions to improve maternal healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural and 
underserved areas. The government should conduct training sessions for every identified traditional birth attendant 
and strengthen basic obstetric care and emergency procedures regulations to improve their skills and knowledge.