Abstract

It is a known fact that pregnancy represents a special period to every woman. At this time, pregnant women are known to make conscious efforts to access and utilize health information for safe pregnancy and delivery. Pregnant women, no doubt need extensive health information lo be able to take care of themselves during pregnancy and childbirth. The main purpose of the study was to investigate utilization of health information for safe pregnancy and delivery among women in Umuahia, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design of the ex-post facto type, and was guided by jive specific objectives and research questions. Respondents selected for the study comprised 350 pregnant women who registered for antenatal care from 25 public and private healthcare cenlres and maternity homes in Umuahia North and South LGAs, Abia State. All the respondents who participated in the study were purposively selected. Structured questionnaire was used as the major instrument to elicit data on health information utilization of pregnant women for safe pregnancy and delivery. The data used for the study was collected between February and May 2021. Out of the 350 copies of the questionnaire administered to pregnant women, 265 (76%) were completed and returned, and were used for the analysis. The data collected was analysed through the use of descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, simple percentage, and mean values in line with the research questions. The study identified the types of health information needed by pregnant women such as nutritional information, foetus development etc., sources of health information such as hospitals, maternity homes etc., extent of utilization of health information and challenges faced by pregnant women in accessing and utilizing health information, and suggested possible ways of overcoming the challenges such as improving staff and facilities of health establishments, improving education of the girl-child among others.

Key words: Utilization, health information, safe pregnancy, safe delivery, women