The Influence of Finance on the Utilisation of Obstetric Services among Women in Rural Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world with greater concentration on rural areas. Underutilisation of obstetric is documented to be the major cause of the increasing high maternal mortality rate. Several factors are noted to influence rural women’s access to the use of obstetric services; however, finance appears to be the most important determinant. Hence, this review aims to explore the influences of finance on the utilisation of obstetric services among rural women in Nigeria.

Methods: We conducted a mixed method systematic review to identify the influence of finance on the utilization of obstetric services in rural Nigeria. Data were retrieved between January 2001 to July 2016 from CINAHL, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, ASSAI and ProQuest.

Results: Although, satisfaction with cost-of-service increases with the utilisation of obstetric services, it was not considered a hindrance to the utilisation of obstetric services. Poverty as a concept underpinned in finance was found to be the major reason women do not utilise obstetric services. However, most of the articles are not of high quality.

Conclusion: Finance influences the utilisation of obstetric services. Then, we recommend increased in empowerment of rural women to improve and secure its financial status. Furthermore, obstetric services should either be made free or at a very minimal cost, to increase obstetric service utilisation, hence reducing the high maternal morbidity and mortality.