Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to childbirth in Cross River State, Nigeria: A qualitative cross-sectional study.

Volume 5, Issue 5, October 2021     |     PP. 49-61      |     PDF (210 K)    |     Pub. Date: September 28, 2021
DOI: 10.54647/pmh33166    102 Downloads     5507 Views  

Author(s)

GinaMarie Piane, Department of Community Health, College of Professional Studies, National University, San Diego, California
Precious Chidozie Azubuike, Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract
Background: The Maternal Mortality Ratio in Nigeria remains the highest in Africa and second highest in the world. Best practices in reducing maternal deaths are to provide all women emergency obstetric care by trained attendants in well-equipped facilities.
Method: This research applies the Theory of Planned Behavioral to the behavior of delivering in hospitals in Nigeria. Qualitative responses from stratified random focus groups and key informant interviews in Cross River State, Nigeria conducted in December 2016, were analyzed. The choice to deliver in a hospital can be explained and predicted by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Results: The research sample was composed of 100 participants in 12 focus group discussions and 26 key informants. The participants expressed beliefs that negatively influence the choice of delivering sin hospitals. Fear of hospitals, Cesarean section, cost and spiritual attacks were common.
Conclusion: The application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to hospital delivery in Cross River State, Nigeria gives a clear direction to efforts to change patterns of behavior and to encourage more Nigerian women to deliver in the hospital. Public health educators need to address the deeply held beliefs regarding the safety of delivering in the hospital, the legitimate reasons for Cesarean section, and patients’ rights to respectful treatment.

Keywords
Maternal Mortality, Theory of Planned Behavior, Nigeria, Qualitative Research, Focus group

Cite this paper
GinaMarie Piane, Precious Chidozie Azubuike, Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to childbirth in Cross River State, Nigeria: A qualitative cross-sectional study. , SCIREA Journal of Health. Volume 5, Issue 5, October 2021 | PP. 49-61. 10.54647/pmh33166

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