Determinants of the continuum of maternal healthcare service utilization in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

Gideon Ikemdinachi Nwankwo, Rejoice Uche Obiora, Delight Mawufemor Agbi, Bisola Olubiyi, Daniel Mumba, Herbert Tafadzwa Kazonda, Isaac Isiko, Edson Mwebesa and Charles Natuhamya

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. Nigeria accounts for over one-quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide. This reflects gaps in access to and continuity of maternal healthcare. The continuum of maternal healthcare, which includes antenatal care (ANC), skilled delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) is critical for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study examines the determinants of continuum of maternal healthcare service utilization in Nigeria. Methods: This study utilized data from 13,596 women (weighted n = 14,183) from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Maternal Health Services Utilization (MHSU) was operationalized as a composite outcome (none, partial, adequate) based on ANC attendance, place of delivery, maternal and child PNC. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to assess individual, household, and contextual predictors. Variables significant at p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0359946

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0359946

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