Rising Trend of Pregnant Women Attending Traditional Birth Attendant Clinics in Rural Areas in South-South, Nigeria

There is rising trend in seeking antenatal care from traditional birth attendants (TBAs) by pregnant women in the rural areas than seeking from health professionals in the primary health centre, clinics or hospitals. Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are community-based individuals most often older women who assist pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, especially in rural or underserved areas but they lack the medical training needed for safe management of complications. The TBAs are experienced women who provide antenatal care with emotional and cultural support and counseling to the pregnant women. The TBAs are found within the community and easy to access them with less stress or no stress. This study is aim to evaluate the Rising Trend of Pregnant Women Attending Traditional Birth Attendant Clinics in Rural Areas in South-South, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 250 women with age between 18 to 47 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. The study lasted for a period of 3 months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0 and p < 0.05 was significant. The results revealed that 40% of the participants were married, 28% single, 20% divorced, 12% widowed, 52% had primary level of education, 60% are farmer, 80% are low-income earner, 80% seek TBA´s help, 60% in 3rd trimester, 72% had complications, 60% visit TBAs occasionally, 76% received herbal drugs from TBA, main reasons for choosing TBA clinics revealed that low cost (28%), nearness to home(20%), family tradition (16%), trust in TBA (12%), fear of hospitals(8%), lack of transport (12%), long waiting time at the hospital (4%), 40% of their mother-in-law’s influenced the visit and 88% are not aware of associated risks.