Effect of Socio-demographic Characteristics on Obstetric Care-seeking Behaviours and Perinatal Outcome in Sagamu, Nigeria

Background: The persistence of severe intra-partum events as causes of perinatal mortality may be due to the poor care pregnant women receive in labour. The quality and scope of care received in labour varies with the types of health facilities patronized.

Objective: To describe the obstetric care-seeking behaviours of pregnant women in Sagamu, Nigeria and relate this to the perinatal outcome.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of parturient at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Nigeria was conducted between August 2013 and November 2014. Data were obtained on the demographic and obstetric profile, details of facilities visited during labour and perinatal outcome for analysis.

Results: Out of 145 women, 93 (64.1%) received antenatal care at OOUTH. Of the 84 women who were first admitted in labour, 32 (38.1%) presented with emergencies. There were 140 live births and 10 still births; 34/140 (24.3%) of the live births were hospitalized mostly with asphyxia (13/34; 38.2%). One of the 34 hospitalized babies died from asphyxia thus the overall perinatal mortality rate was 73.3/1000 births. Women who presented with emergencies during labour and traversed other health facilities while in labour characteristically had low maternal education, low socioeconomic status and received antenatal care outside OOUTH. Poor perinatal outcome was significantly associated with unbooked status, presentation with emergencies during labour and traversing other health facilities in labour.

Conclusion: Quality antenatal care and timely presentation during labour may influence perinatal outcome positively. Research should be focused on strengthening the existing health care structure.