Socioeconomic Deprivation and Maternal Healthcare Utilisation among Women of Reproductive Age in Ishiagu, Ivo L.G.A, Ebonyi State
Socioeconomic deprivation remains an important challenge to maternal healthcare utilisation in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where women may experience limited income, employment opportunities, education, and access to adequate living conditions. This study examined socioeconomic deprivation and maternal healthcare utilisation among women of reproductive age in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, focusing on household income deprivation, employment deprivation, educational deprivation, and living-condition deprivation. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised women of reproductive age residing in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, with a sample size of 400 respondents selected through multistage sampling. Out of the 400 questionnaires administered, 371 were correctly completed and analysed, while 29 copies were discarded due to incomplete responses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that household income deprivation was prevalent among women of reproductive age and constituted a barrier to meeting maternal healthcare needs. The study also found that employment deprivation affected women's financial independence and capacity to access maternal healthcare services. Educational deprivation was found to limit women's access to maternal healthcare information and informed healthcare decisions. Furthermore, living-condition deprivation, including poor housing conditions, inadequate basic amenities, and transportation difficulties, created additional barriers to maternal healthcare utilisation. The study concludes that socioeconomic deprivation has important implications for maternal healthcare utilisation among women of reproductive age in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area. The study recommends strengthening income support programmes, expanding women's employment and livelihood opportunities, improving maternal health education, and enhancing basic infrastructure and transportation services in the community.