Factors influencing the utilization of traditional birth attendants among childbearing women in Nigeria

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality rate globally, with Nigeria seeing approximately 234 maternal deaths/100,000 live births. Despite policies aimed at discouraging home deliveries by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and promoting clinic-based births under skilled care, many women in Nigeria continue to give birth at home. This study explores why women opt for home deliveries and seek assistance from TBAs. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) in a rural area of Ibadan North Local Government, Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 28.0. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors influencing the use of TBAs. Results: The study revealed that 72% of the women had utilized TBAs, often driven by family influence, fear of surgical interventions (69.4%), and the perceived spiritual benefits of prayer sessions (96.5%). Around 20% of the women reported complications during TBA-assisted deliveries, with common issues including bleeding and retained placenta. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors, cultural norms, and access barriers strongly influence the utilization of TBAs among Nigerian childbearing women. Younger women and those influenced by family traditions, spiritual beliefs, and lower socioeconomic status are more likely to choose TBAs. Negative experiences with healthcare staff, fear of medical interventions, and crowded hospitals further contribute to this preference. Addressing these factors in healthcare policies could promote safer delivery practices and improve maternal health outcomes. Keywords: Childbearing women, maternal healthcare, maternal mortality, traditional birth attendants