KNOWLEDGE AND UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANCE SERVICES BY WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN ETSAKO WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, EDO STATE

Maternal and newborn health is a global concern, with significant efforts focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving access to quality healthcare services. This research aimed to assess the knowledge and utilization of traditional birth attendant services by women of reproductive age in Etsako, Edo State. The researcher adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study. The target populations in this study were women of reproductive age in Iyamho and Jattu of Etsako west LGI, Edo State, 135 women were used for this study. A stratified multistage sampling method was employed in sample selection. A self-structured questionnaire was used in the study. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and percentage. The result showed that women of reproductive age in Etsako, Edo State had good knowledge regarding traditional birth attendant services. Also findings revealed that the level of utilization methods of traditional birth attendant services among women of reproductive age in Etsako, Edo State was low. As pregnant women are not satisfied with previous use and experience of TBA services (64.39%). Furthermore, factors found to have a significant influence on the utilization of TBA services in this study include: lack of access to health care facilities, cultural acceptability compared to the health facility, availability of TBA services in the community and their husband preference. It is recommended that training and reorientation of health workers should be done in order for them to offer better health services, in the study area should include maternal health services in the state health insurance scheme for all residents, and awareness should be created on the use of skilled birth attendants during deliverd key word: Knowledge, Attitude, Traditional birth attendance, women of reproductive age.