Reasons for preference of delivery in spiritual church-based clinics by women of south-south Nigeria

To investigate the various reasons for patronizing the spiritual church-based clinics by women from South-South Nigeria. Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics were studied between 1st February 2003 and 31st July 2003. Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics in both Akwa Ibom and Cross River State in South-South Nigeria. Two thousand and sixty three pregnant women who were regular attendants of the spiritual church-based clinics. Various reasons for preferring church delivery included: Spiritual protection against satanic attacks and safe delivery in 975 (36.8%) lack of funds in 629 (30.5%), harsh attitude of health workers in 249 (12.1%), convenience in 212 (10.3%), faith in God and previous delivery in church 83 (4.0%) each help and good care guaranteed in 48 (2.35). It is suggested that the spiritual churches with interest in obstetric care establish properly staffed and well equipped health clinics as an annex to the church.