Overcoming barriers to access and utilization of maternal, newborn and child health services in northern Nigeria: an evaluation of facility health committees.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Poor quality of health services and socio-cultural dynamics may severely limit utilization of health services. Facility health committees were established in several states in northern Nigeria to reduce these barriers. The committees were charged with mobilizing communities, improving quality of health services, and promoting utilization of maternal and child health services. This study assessed this intervention.

Methods

To obtain a comprehensive picture of facility health committees' influence on maternal and child health services, we selected 33 facilities in three states in northern Nigeria (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano) where the intervention was active. For each of these facilities we interviewed committee members (n = 399), conducted focus group discussions with a

SUBMITTER: Oguntunde O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5807838 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature