Factors Influencing Non-Utilisation of Labour Services Among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Health Facilities in Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

The study examined the factors influencing non-utilisation of labour services among postnatal mothers in selected health facilities in Apapa local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria. A qualitative approach within the interpretative paradigm was adopted for this study. to explore, analyze and describe those factors in their personal narrative. The sample size was determined based on the rules of focus group which is usually between five and eight participants. All postnatal mothers who volunteered to participate were selected initially, among which 7 were selected. The data were collected through semi-structured anonymous focused group discussion, designed with open-ended questions so as to ensure the questions were asked in a coordinated and well-organized manner. The data analysis was done in three stages, which includes preparation stage, organizing stage and reporting stage. The findings of the study revealed that some factors are capable of influencing the decisions of mothers whether or not to use the facilities. Among the factors are the kind of treatment and care received by mothers during visit for maternal and child care services, proximity of health facilities to place of residence of mothers, husband’s decision and support to seek maternal and child care services, level of attention received from the health workers during visit and the attitude of health workers, affordability of cost of health care services at the health facilities as well as mothers’ desire for healthy living for their children and themselves. It was recommended among others that necessary medical equipment should be acquired in government hospitals for optimal health care service delivery for both mothers and their children.

Keywords: Factors, Mothers, Postnatal, Non Utilisation, Delivery Services,