- The Complete Research Material is averagely 52 pages long and it is in Ms Word Format, it has 1-5 Chapters.
- Major Attributes are Abstract, All Chapters, Figures, Appendix, References.
- Study Level: BTech, BSc, BEng, BA, HND, ND or NCE.
- Full Access Fee: ₦6,000
Get the complete project »
![Download Code Ready Instant Download Active](https://codemint.net/assets/home/instantdownloadMain.png)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Maternal health and safe motherhood have received significant attention worldwide in the last three decades. Globally, much effort has been put into achieving a reduction in maternal mortality. In 2013 alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded that 289,000 women died due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth worldwide, a significant reduction from
523,000 in 1990, with a decline of about 44% recorded between 1990 and 2015 (WHO, 2016). Sadly however, Sub Saharan Africa remains one of the regions in the world that has made the least progress in this regard with Maternal Mortality Ratio of 239 per 100 000 live births as compared with 12 per 100,000 live births in developed countries (WHO, 2016).Sub Saharan Africa also remains the region with the highest risk in the world for death due to obstetric complications where a woman faces about a 1 in 40 risk of dying during pregnancy and childbirth in her lifetime(WHO, 2014). In Nigeria, the most recent reported maternal mortality ratio is 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with maternal deaths accounting for 32% of all deaths among women of reproductive age (Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 2013).
Maternal morbidities can be referred to as all illnesses and complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth, short of death (Worku, Yalew, & Afework, 2013). Obstetric or maternal complications are acute conditions occurring during pregnancy, childbirth or post partum period (Worku, Yalew, & Afework, 2013).
Worldwide, about 80% of maternal deaths and 98% of stillbirths are ascribed to direct obstetric complications (Singh, Goli, & Parsuraman, 2014). A previous study in Nigeria revealed that mortality associated with obstetric complications was highest among the poor women(Olusola, 2011). In one of the widest disparities in International public health, maternal mortality rate in
Nigeria is almost 100 times worse than in industrialized nations (National Population Commission & ICF Macro, 2009). Annually, 3 million pregnancies occur in Nigeria on the average, and approximately 170,000 result in death, mainly due to obstetric complications (Ndubuisi, 2009). Obstetric complications as they account for maternal mortality in Nigeria are presented thus: haemorrhage (25%), sepsis (15%), complications of unsafe abortion (13%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (12%) and obstructed labour (8%) (Ndubuisi, 2009).
The word perception has been defined to mean a belief or opinion often held by many people and based on how things seem; the quality of being aware of things through the physical senses, and an individual‟s ability to notice and understand things that are not obvious to other people. In Nigeria, negative perception about possible pregnancy related complications abounds(U. M. Lawan, Takai, & Ishaq, 2015). This has in no little way contributed to the worsening maternal mortality figures in the country. The Prevention of Maternal Mortality Network (PMMN), a research initiative under the Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI) observed that pregnancy and delivery is regarded by most communities as a natural phenomenon (Ndubuisi, 2009). They also discovered that signs and symptoms of obstetric complications are usually not recognized as reasons for concern in many parts of the country (Ndubuisi, 2009). For instance, in some parts of Nigeria, feet swelling in pregnancy which is a symptom that precedes eclampsia, is seen as an indication that the unborn child is a boy (Ndubuisi 2009). Similarly, in a study conducted in
South West Nigeria, exposure to cold and spiritual forces was among the perceived causes of eclampsia (Akeju et al., 2016). Similar negative perceptions also apply to antepartum haemorrhage, amongst others.
Poor perception of the etiology and treatment of these obstetric complications has also affected the obstetric behaviour which involves the utilization of basic maternity and emergency obstetric care services (Pembe et al., 2009). Previous studies have attributed poor health seeking behavior to wrong perception of pregnancy and delivery complications, amongst others. The “three delays” framework first described by Thaddeus and Maine (1994) asserts that maternal mortality in developing countries occur as a result of three delays to accessing appropriate health care; the 1st of this delay is the delay in perceiving that a problem is occurring while the woman is at her home, and in making a timely decision to leave the house in search of medical assistance, due to lack of proper understanding of obstetric complication (Pacagnella, Cecatti, Osis, & Souza, 2012).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Children are highly valued in Africa, with several African cultures allowing a woman to give birth to as many children as possible. However, the risks and possible complications that could result from pregnancy and delivery are understood by only a few, women inclusive. Several of these complications are erroneously ascribed to normal pregnancy and delivery processes that the woman must go through while pregnant; as such, these wrong perceptions and poor health seeking behaviours towards obstetric complications contribute in no little amount to maternal morbidity and mortality as seen above.
About 500,000 women die yearly from complications associated with pregnancy and of this figure, 99% of deaths occur in developing countries (Oyelese & Ananth, 2010). The United Nations (2008) reported that one out of every 22 women in Africa dies from pregnancy related complications. This implies that more than 150,000 African women die and millions suffer serious illnesses due to obstetric complications. It has been reported that about a third of total disease burden among women of reproductive age in Africa has been linked to health problems arising from pregnancy and childbirth complications, abortion and reproductive infections(Olusola, 2011).Studies have also revealed that women in Africa die more frequently from obstetric complications, than is seen in Europe and North America(National Population Commission & ICF Macro, 2009).
Nigeria makes up about 2% of the world‟s population, but sadly, 10% of the world‟s maternal deaths occur in the country (World Health Organization, 2008). Currently, Nigeria has the second highest number of maternal deaths in the world with about 59,000 maternal deaths occurring annually (Olaku, 2014). According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2013), Nigeria records a Maternal Mortality Ratio of 576 deaths per 100, 000 live births annually. Maternal mortality ratio is worst in Eastern Nigeria, with an average figure of 2,420 per 100,000 live births recorded in Anambra State(Olaku, 2014). The Eastern s zone has the second highest maternal mortality rate (1,549 per 100,000 live births) which is about ten times that in the South West. The rate in the North West (1025 per 100,000 live births) is about six times higher than what obtains in the South West (UNICEF, 2015)
In Anambra state, the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (Nigerian Urban
Reproductive Health Initiative, 2013) reported that about 1,999 women die annually from pregnancy related complications. MMR in Onitsha was found to be 800 per 100,000 live births (National Population Commission & ICF Macro, 2009), That is to say one out of ten pregnant women is likely going to die from obstetric conditions. Attendance at ante natal care was 30% and delivery by skilled birth attendants was 10% in Onitsha local government (NURHI, 2013).
In Onitsha local government, which is an easy reflection of Eastern Nigeria, several studies have been done on maternal mortality but there has been no broad study done to document the perception and health seeking behavior of women of child bearing age regarding obstetric complications in preventing maternal morbidity and mortality. It is in view of this that the researcher took a close look at perception and health seeking behavior for obstetric complications among women within Onitsha metropolis.
1.3 Significance of the Study
Findings from this study will help women to benefit from recommendations made which will improve the quality of health services they will receive from the prenatal period till the postpartum period.
Health institutions will benefit from this study in that recent written and theoretical information on obstetric complications will be added to the body of knowledge in the reduction of complications that lead to maternal morbidity and mortality. It will also be useful for future researchers who may have interest in studying maternal perceptions on obstetric complications and other related issues.
Policy makers which includes government at all levels will also benefit from this study. Results and recommendations from this study will help in policy formulations and serve as a basis for developing new and refined maternal welfare programs, services and strategies including those aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
1.4 Research Questions
This study is predicated upon the following research questions:
1. What are the perceptions of women regarding obstetric complication?
2. What are the obstetric complications experienced by women in the study location?
3. What is the health seeking behaviour of women towards obstetric complication in the study location?
4. What are the factors influencing health seeking behaviour of women in the study location?
5. What is the relationship between perception of obstetric complications and the health seeking behaviour of women in the study location?
1.5 Aim of the study
This study is aimed at assessing perception and health seeking behaviour for obstetric complications among respondents who are women of reproductive age group in Onitsha.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
1. To determine the perception of women regarding obstetric complication
2. To identify obstetric complications experienced by women in the study location.
3. To identify the health seeking behaviour of women towards obstetric complications in the study location.
4. To identify factors influencing health seeking behaviour of women in the study location
5. To determine the relationship between perception of obstetric complications and the health seeking behaviour of women in the study location.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to perception and health seeking behaviour for obstetric complications in Onitsha metropolis Anambra State, Nigeria.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Perception: Views, opinions, feelings of women in the study location about obstetric complications
Obstetric Complication: Any deviations from normal pregnancy, labour, and after delivery, that occurs in women within the study population during pregnancy, childbirth and after delivery
Health Seeking Behaviour: Actions or inactions engaged in by pregnant women in the study location during ante natal, labour or post-natal period to maintain and promote health, or treat complications when they occur
Women of Reproductive Age Group: women who fall between 15 to 49 years, who are married and have delivered at least one child within the last six months within the study population
You either get what you want or your money back. T&C Apply
![](https://codemint.net/assets/public/img/100-money-back-guarantee.png)
You can find more project topics easily, just search
-
SIMILAR PUBLIC HEALTH FINAL YEAR PROJECT RESEARCH TOPICS
-
1. ASSESSMENT OF SAFE MOTHERHOOD PRACTICES AMONG WOMEN RECEIVING ANTE NATAL CARE IN NKPOR URBAN, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA
» CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Making motherhood safe is a topical global issue of public health challenge especially in develo...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 96 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
2. DETERMINANTS OF UTILIZATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE IN RURAL AREAS OF KANO STATE, NORTHERN NIGERIA
» SUMMARY Family planning is an important preventive measure against maternal and child morbidity and mortality. It is an essential component of primary...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 81 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
3. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ASYMPTOMATIC MALARIA PARASITAEMIA AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN GENERAL HOSPITAL NASSARAWA-EGGON, NASARAWA STATE, ...
» ABSTRACT Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy is a major public health challenge responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in ende...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 62 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
4. DISCLOSURE OF HIV STATUS BY HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING ADULT ART CLINIC AT GOMBE STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, GOMBE.
» ABSTRACT Disclosure of HIV status especially to sexual partners is an important prevention goal. Many international organizations including UNAIDS, WH...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 61 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
5. INFLUENCE OF PARENTING STYLES ON ADOLESCENTS’ SELF-ESTEEM IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NI...
» ABSTRACT The concept of self esteem is an area of psychology that has gained considerable attention, but for many years has also caused much confusion...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 77 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
6. attitude of pregnant mother towards exclusive breastfeeding in P.H.C Television Kaduna.
» CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The world health organization’s infant feeding recommendation defines exclusive breastf...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 55 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
7. KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, PRACTICES AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON IMMUNIZATION AMONG MOTHERS/CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AGED 12-23 MONTHS IN KADUNA STATE, NI...
» SUMMARY Immunization is one of the safest and most effective interventions to prevent disease and early child death. Although, about three quarters of...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 96 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
8. BASELINE ANTIBODY TITRE TO SALMONELLA TYPHI AND SALMONELLA PARATYPHI A AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
» ABSTRACT Typhoid fever is endemic in the tropics and sub tropical regions of the world. It is a major public health problem in most developing countri...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 78 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
9. ESTIMATION OF MATERNAL MORTALITY USING THE INDIRECT SISTERHOOD METHOD IN FIKA L.G.A., YOBE STATE, NIGERIA.
» ABSTRACT Context Lack of reliable and timely population based data is one of the major constraints in the planning, management and evaluation of progr...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 99 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
-
10. PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS VIRUS INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN
» CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in ...Continue Reading »Item Type & Format: Project Material - Ms Word | 52 pages |
Instant Download | Chapter 1-5 | PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT