Male role in emergency obstetric care in rural Niger Delta, Nigeria

Tarilaifa Akpandara, University of Ibadan
Uche Isiugo-Abanihe, University of Ibadan
Olufunke Fayehun, University of Ibadan

In Nigeria, despite 16 years of continuous democratic rule and government policies geared towards improved access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC), maternal mortality remains a fundamental public health challenge. Studies have emphasized the primacy and significance of male role in female reproductive health seeking behaviour. However, there is lack of specific empirical evidence on male role in accessing EmOC particularly in rural poor settings of the Niger Delta. This study examined this phenomenon in economically restrained communities of Bayelsa in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Data was collected via a multi-phase sampling technique among 616 women aged 15-49 years, and men using a cross-sectional survey approach. Methods - focus group discussion and questionnaire - were triangulated. Findings revealed that women perceived that males play supportive role on access to EmOC in rural poor settings of Bayelsa. To reduce maternal mortality in such settings, such relationship must be promoted.