Factors Influencing the Choice of Place of Delivery among Women in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality has remained high in Nigeria and only a third of births take place in healthcare facilities. This study sought to determine the factors influencing the choice of place of delivery among pregnant women in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. Methods: A mixed-method study consisting of a descriptive cross-sectional survey and Focused Group Discussion was conducted among women in Gindiri District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and an interview guide were used respectively for the quantitative and qualitative data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 23.0 and the framework approach for the quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results: Of the 107 respondents, 72 (67.3%) had facility delivery. Sixty-six (61.7%) cited financial constraints, 28 (26.2%) quality of care, 26 (24.3%) suddenness of labour, 18 (16.8%) attitude of health workers, and 12 (11.2%) proximity as reasons for the choice of delivery location. Higher birth orders and a higher level of education were linked to facility delivery. The best fit framework identified cost, perception of normalcy of the labour, sociocultural influence, and bad attitude of health workers as reasons why pregnant women do not deliver in health facilities. Conclusion: About two-thirds of women delivered in healthcare facilities, leaving a third at risk of maternal morbidity and mortality from home delivery. Facility birth should be made affordable to families. Communities should be educated on the dangers of non-facility delivery while health workers should be trained on proper conduct to encourage hospital delivery.