Effect of religiosity on maternal and child health practices in Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: Maternal and child health care is very important and crucial in the monitoring and evaluation of various developmental agenda especially in developing nations.Aim/Objective: This study was carried out to ascertain the effects of religiosity on maternal and child health practices in rural and urban Cross River State, Nigeria.Method: The study design was a comparative analytical cross-sectional study amongst mothers with under-five children in rural and urban households in Cross River State and the study populations comprise mothers of under-five children, traditional and traditional birth attendants in Cross River State. Sampling technique used to select respondents in the rural and urban sites was multistage sampling method and the sample size was determined using standard method of comparing two independent groups. For Focus Group Discussions (FGD), purposive sampling method was employed in both study sites. Religiosity was assessed using the ORA dimension of the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), which is usually measured as frequency of attendance of organized religious activities. The study instrument was a semistructured questionnaire and data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.Results: Statistical analysis showed that the age of mother, husband and marriage of women from the rural communities was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than that of women from the urban communities. Religious practices to have safe pregnancy did not significantly predict women having complications in last pregnancy in both study settings while in the rural and urban communities (P<0.05), religious practices significantly influenced family planning methods (P<0.05). In child health practices, religious practices significantly influenced the rural communities practice of breastfeeding child (P= 0.001) and giving child colostrum (P= 0.048) while in the urban communities, it significantly influenced giving child colostrum (P= 0.002).Conclusions: This study therefore concludes that religiosity significantly affects maternal and child health care practices in rural and urban communities of Cross River State, Nigeria and also serve as useful baseline for better understanding of the dynamics of influence of religiosity on maternal and child health practices in Cross River State of Nigeria.Recommendation: Maternal health education as well as education and engagement of spiritual leaders are highly recommended

A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing the Sustainability of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency: Insights From Rural-Urban Abia State

The goal of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency (ABSHIA) has been to increase coverage since its implementation. However, the sustainability of the scheme is crucial to continue providing affordable healthcare in the State. This study aimed to identify and compare factors that influence the sustainability of ABSHIA in rural-urban areas of Abia State. The study used a mixed-method cross-sectional design that involved collecting data through a questionnaire on enrollment, satisfaction, and willingness to renew membership. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted to obtain qualitative data from healthcare providers and ward development committees. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. The results showed a higher enrollment in rural areas compared to urban areas, with no significant difference in satisfaction and willingness to renew membership between the 2 locations. The study also identified factors that positively influenced willingness to renew membership, but it was found that traveling a distance of 15 min or more decreased willingness to renew membership in urban Abia. Furthermore, poor health status was found to have a low influence on willingness to renew membership in rural Abia. Among other barriers to renewal, poor quality of care and, nonpayment of health workers’ capitation was identified as significant factors. It is crucial to prioritize the sustainability of ABSHIA to achieve the sustainable development goal of health for all in the State