African Health Law and Ethics (Law/Health/Philosophy crossover) | 03 October 2009
Methodological Evaluation of Maternal Care Facilities in Nigeria: A Randomized Field Trial
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Abstract
In Nigeria, maternal care facilities play a crucial role in addressing high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. However, there is a need for rigorous methodological evaluation to assess their effectiveness. A randomized field trial was conducted across 100 randomly selected maternity wards. Data on patient demographics, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes were collected using standardised forms. Statistical analysis included regression models to evaluate the impact of various interventions on maternal health. The study found a significant improvement in neonatal survival rates among infants born to mothers who received antenatal care compared to those without such care (\(OR = 2\).5, CI: 1.3-4.8). This randomized field trial provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of maternal care facilities in Nigeria, highlighting key areas for improvement and intervention. Based on the findings, it is recommended that antenatal care be made more accessible and integrated into routine health services to improve neonatal survival rates.