Socio-Demographic Variables as Predictors of Underutilisation of Antenatal Care Services Among Pregnant Women in Selected Maternity Hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State

Maternal mortality is a preventable crisis essentially of the poor in the 21st century and a neglected tragedy of developing countries. This study investigated social variables and demographic variables as predictors of antenatal care service utilization among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State. Descriptive survey research design was used and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Four hundred respondents selected using purposive and simple random sampling technique were used. Social Variable Questionnaire and Antenatal Care Service Questionnaire were the instruments used. The result showed significant linear combinations of social variables and demographic variables on antenatal care service utilization. Cost of service made the highest contribution among social variables while age made the highest contribution among demographic variables. The study concluded that social and demographic variables significantly contributed to antenatal care service utilization and recommended comprehensive health promotion, awareness-raising and appropriate education of healthcare workers.