Factors Influencing the Choice of Place of Delivery of a First Child among Nigerian Women

Abstract

Among the factors responsible for maternal deaths in developing countries is complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and as such, the choice of place for delivery is vital as the quality of attention received can either aid or reduce the risks attached to child bearing. This study seeks to statistically model factors that determine the place of delivery in Nigeria among women of reproductive age taking into consideration possible nesting structure in the mode of data collection. A two-level hierarchical multilevel logistic model with the individual women as the lower level and the state of residence as the second level was applied to 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) data. Results showed that the odd of choosing a government or private facility reduced by 58.6% and 85.9%, respectively. Women in the rural areas are 12% and 20% less likely to choose either a government or private facility, additional education increases the odd of choosing any of the two facilities against home delivery. Other significant variables were wealth index, religion, assistance during labour and the number of antenatal visits. Keyword: Place of delivery; Nesting; Multilevel Logistic Model; Odds and Antenatal Care