Gender Discrimination as a Barrier to High-Quality Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Nigeria: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Quality of Care Assessment

Abstract

BackgroundPoor reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health outcomes in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors, not limited to low health service coverage, a lack of quality care, and gender inequity. Providers’ gender-discriminatory attitudes, and men’s limited positive involvement correlate with poor utilization and quality of services.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, observational, baseline quality of care assessment from April-July 2016 to inform a maternal and newborn health project in health facilities in Ebonyi and Kogi States. We observed 435 antenatal care consultations and 47 births, and interviewed 138 providers about their knowledge, training, experiences, working conditions, gender-sensitive and respectful care, and workplace gender dynamics. The United States Agency for International Development’s Gender Analysis Framework was used to analyze findings.ResultsSixty percent of providers disagreed that a woman could choose a family planning method without a male partner’s involvement, and 23.2% of providers disagreed that unmarried clients should use family planning. Ninety-eight percent believed men should participate in health services, yet only 10% encouraged women to bring their partners. Harmful practices were observed in 59.6% of deliveries and disrespectful or abusive practices were observed in 34.0%. No providers offered clients information, services, or referrals for gender-based violence. Sixty-seven percent reported observing or hearing of an incident of violence against clients, and 7.9% of providers experienced violence in the workplace themselves. Over 78% of providers received no training on gender, gender-based violence, or human rights in the past three years.ConclusionAddressing gender inequalities that limit women’s access, choice, agency, and autonomy in health services as a quality of care issue is critical to reducing poor health outcomes in Nigeria. Inherent gender discrimination in health service delivery reinforces the critical need for gender analysis, gender responsive approaches, values clarification, and capacity building.

Predictors of knowledge and practice of newborn care among post-natal mothers attending immunisation clinics in Southeast Nigeria

“…In accord with our results, a study in Ethiopia did not demonstrate education as a predictor of good practice of ENC. 32 marital status is a predictor of both good knowledge and good practice. Gender inequalities limit women's access to RMNCAH services in Ebonyi State.…”