Socioeconomic Differentials in Health Care Choices: Implications for Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

Gbemiga E. Adeyemi, Lagos State University

The Millennium Developments Goals targeted at the reduction of child mortality by two thirds of the child mortality rate and reduce the proportion of women dying in childbirth by three quarters by 2015 has remained unrealistic in Nigeria. The study therefore examines socio-economic differentials in health care choices among women in Nigeria and its implications for maternal mortality. 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey was used for the study. The study found out that place of residence and education of women influenced the use of the health facilities in Nigeria. The positive relationship between the use of the health facilities and wealth index revealed in the study is an indication that poverty is also the leading cause of maternal and infant mortality in the country. The health policy in Nigeria must incorporate the private providers into the health system this will reduce the maternal and infant mortality in the country