Geospatial Distribution, Accessibility and Utilization of Basic Emergency Obstetric and New-born Care in Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria.

Background: High maternal mortality has remained a problem, especially in developing countries. Ensuring availability and utilization of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services (BEmONC) reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the geospatial distribution, accessibility and utilization of BEmONC services in Jigawa State.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the WHO "30 by 7" cluster sampling technique and two-stage sampling to select 630 women and 15 Primary Health Care facilities (PHCFs) respectively. The Geo coordinates of the PHCFs and households of respondents were taken using the global positioning system (GPS) on Android devices. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25 and Arc GIS version 10.6.

Results: A dispersed distribution was observed for the BEmONC facilities in two LGAs and majority of the respondents (71.9%) fall within 5 Km radius to a BEmONC facility. Only 27% of the respondents utilized BEmONC services for obstetric complications. Predictors of utilization of BEmONC were living within 5 Km to the nearest BEmONC (aOR=3.3; 95% CI=1.565 - 6.822), use of bicycle (aOR=1.930; 95% CI=1.012 - 3.679), cars (aOR=1.838; 95% CI=1.127 - 2.998), and tricycles (aOR=1.833; 95% CI=1.017 - 3.309) as means of transportation to PHCs.

Conclusions: A dispersed distribution and good physical accessibility to BEmONC facilities were found, however, utilization was poor. Distance and mode of transportation were predictors of utilization of BEmONC services. Jigawa State Government should intensify awareness campaigns to improve the utilization of BEmONC services and provide emergency transport schemes for women with obstetric complications.