DETERMINANTS OF PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AMONG WOMEN IN NIGERIAN RURAL AREAS

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy outcome is a strong indicator of maternal vulnerability. ICPD (1994) stated that every childbirth and delivery should be healthy. The study examined the determinants of pregnancy outcome among rural women in Nigeria. Pregnancy outcomes considered include live birth (low weight babies) and terminated pregnancy (miscarriage/stillbirth).

The quantitative cross sectional study analyzed the 2013 national demographic and health survey (NDHS) data and surveyed 77,486 rural women to access the determinants of pregnancy outcomes. A qualitative descriptive study (in-depth interview) was also employed with three women interviewed to complement the quantitative study. The study shows that while maternal healthcare facilities are available in the study area, they are poorly utilized. Some socio-demographic factors that reveal association with pregnancy outcomes are maternal age, maternal parity, maternal education, religion, occupation, place of delivery, birth interval, and malaria prevention/cure during pregnancy (P