UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES IN ITAS/GADAU LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA,BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Background: Maternal mortality remains alarming in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. Nigeria has high maternal mortality ratio (512/100,000 live births) necessitates improved antenatal care (ANC) utilization. Rural areas, In Itas/Gadau Local Government, face challenges in accessing quality healthcare. This study investigates the level of utilizations, identifying the factors that influence the utilization and informing interventions to improve antenatal Care services. contributing how the utilization of antenatal Care services can improve the Health system. Objectives of the study: The main objective of this study is to explore the factors associated with the utilization of antenatal services in Itas/Gadau local government, Bauchi State, with the aim of identifying barriers and facilitating factors to improve antenatal care services outcomes. Methodology: A Cross sectional study design was used to collect the data from women 0f child bearing age (`15-49) using a random sampling using one person from every four people, the data was collected from 121 respondents using structured questionnaire to analyze the impact or level of utilization of antenatal Care services in itas/gadau local government area Bauchi state. The results after conducting the research revealed that 81.0% having used ANC in the past year with the government utilized (42.1%), notably(,55.4%) attend antenatal 5 or more visit, the level of satisfaction is very high with (74.4%),cultural and social factors, half of the respondents (55.4%) indicated that cultural beliefs influence their use of ante-natal care services, but a majority (57.9%) do not prefer traditional practices, the accessibility, Most respondents lived relatively close to ante-natal care facilities (less than 5 km). The study concluded that: The use of ante-natal care services in Itas/Gadau, Bauchi State, is influenced by a complex interplay of demographic factors, access to services, cultural beliefs, and family support. While there is a high utilization and satisfaction rate among respondents, barriers related to cost and cultural perceptions still exist. The recommendation: Based on finding some of these should be made, community health education program, strengthen family involvement, enhance services affordability and engage with community leaders.