Determinants of place of delivery among women in a semi-urban settlement in Zaria, northern Nigeria

Background: Majority of the maternal deaths that occur especially in developing countries are avoidable or preventable. Studies have shown that the health, reproductive behaviour and socio economic status of women are among the important determinants of maternal mortality. This study was aimed at assessing the role of some health, socio-economic and demographic factors in determining the place of delivery among women in a semi-urban settlement in Zaria, north-western Nigeria. Method: The study design was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Sabuwar Unguwa, Magume district Zaria Local Government Area Kaduna State Nigeria in June, 2003. A total of 496 women who had delivered at least once were interviewed using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: The study revealed both high rates of home deliveries and deliveries not supervised by skilled attendants of 70% and 78% respectively. Mother s educational level, husband s occupation and age at first pregnancy were the main determinants of place of delivery. Statistically significant associations between non- formal education and home delivery, (X2 = 6.7 df = 1 P 0.05) age at first pregnancy and home delivery (X;2 =18.7 df = 1 P 0.05) were observed. There was no statistical significance between employment status of fathers and home delivery (X2 = 0.59 df = 1 P 0.05). Conclusion: Low maternal education, unemployment among fathers, first pregnancies at less than 18 years of age increase the likelihood of home delivery in Sabuwar Unguwa, Magume district of Zaria. Girl child education, income generating activities and training of TBAs could reduce the high rate of home deliveries and its consequences in the study area.