Factors associated with child mortality among antenatal care attendees in Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

study examined the determinants of child mortality among attendees at a government health care facility in Ado-Odo/Ota in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study, based on a descriptive cross-sectional study, used a mixed-methods research approach and utilized an interviewer-administered structured pretested questionnaire. A total of 1350 respondents constituted the sample size. Data analysis consisted of descriptive and regression analysis with STATA Version 12. Furthermore, the study employed focus group discussions to reinforce the quantitative results of the investigation. Results showed the place of delivery (P = 0.000), distance from house to health facility (P = 0.022), immunization status (P = 0.000), duration of breastfeeding (P = 0.000), cost of treatment at the health facility (P = 0.627), household waste disposal practice (P = 0.000), and ever used oral rehydration solution (P = 0.000) as being significantly associated with child mortality. The study created awareness of behavioral practices affecting child mortality and insights on possible interventions for reducing child mortality. We conclude that community-based educational strategies and the improvement of health facilities will reduce child mortality. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[5s]: 116-125)

AWARENESS AND GEOSPATIAL EXAMINATION OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN OGUN STATE NIGERIA: NEED FOR HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT

Spatial distribution inequity in health care facilities, including primary health care, has been recognized as a wedge towards effective delivery of such services in many countries, including Nigeria. Healthcare facilities are vehicles to attain an acceptable level of health that will enable everyone to lead a socially and economically productive life. One of the core challenges facing the Nigerian health care system is poor access to health facilities, worsened by poverty, poor road networks and transportation. The resultant consequences are high morbidity and mortality in most parts of the country, leading to low economic performance. Access serves as the bridge between availability and utilization. For Sustainable Development Goal 3, people should have access to health facilities closer to their residence. The study employed secondary data and geographic information system mapping in the investigation. The paper aimed to explore the locational distribution of existing health facilities in Ogun State and make informed recommendations for policy intervention in the study area. The study reveals that the distribution pattern of public healthcare facilities in the State is not uniform either at tertiary, secondary, or primary levels. And this scenario negates the essence of providing health care facilities within 5 kilometers distance envisaged by WHO and general health status. Densely populated health facilities were seen in local governments with high populations, industries and Local Government capitals. In contrast, others have fewer health care facilities, perhaps due to their rural and remote nature. Thus, the government needs to ensure even distribution of health facilities and motivated personnel, drugs, and deliverables in the study area to ensure optimal spatial efficiency