Reasons for preference of delivery in spiritual church-based clinics by women of south-south Nigeria.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the various reasons for patronizing the spiritual church-based clinics by women from South-South Nigeria. DESIGN: Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics were studied between 1st February 2003 and 31st July 2003. SETTING: Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics in both Akwa Ibom and Cross River State in South-South Nigeria. PATIENTS: Two thousand and sixty three pregnant women who were regular attendants of the spiritual church-based clinics. RESULTS: Various reasons for preferring church delivery included: Spiritual protection against satanic attacks and safe delivery in 975 (36.8%) lack of funds in 629 (30.5%), harsh attitude of health workers in 249 (12.1%), convenience in 212 (10.3%), faith in God and previous delivery in church 83 (4.0%) each help and good care guaranteed in 48 (2.35). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the spiritual churches with interest in obstetric care establish properly staffed and well equipped health clinics as an annex to the church.