Determinant and utilization of maternal and child health care services among women of reproductive age in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal and child health care refers to the treatment of the mother before, during, and after childbirth. In this study, the factors influencing maternal and child healthcare services in Enugu State were examined. Symbolic interactionist theory provides the study's theoretical framework. The design approach was ex-post facto, which is based on already documented pieces of evidence. Data were extracted and used from secondary sources like textbooks, journals, newspapers, and online organizational publications. The study's conclusions show that Enugu state residents underutilize maternal and child health care services. It also found some factors affecting maternal and child healthcare services such as income, accessibility/availability of healthcare services, education, employment, and inequality. The study recommends that accessibility/availability of health care services should be ensured by Governmental and non-governmental organizations. The free maternal and child health care policy, established by the government, should be properly implemented to be effective in all communities (both urban and rural).