Maternal healthcare utilisation among women with disabilities in Lagos, Nigeria

Bolarinwa, Obasanjo; Seidu, Abdul-Aziz

Maternal healthcare utilisation among women with disabilities in Lagos, Nigeria

Bolarinwa, Obasanjo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9208-6408 and Seidu, Abdul-Aziz (2026) Maternal healthcare utilisation among women with disabilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 13. p. 102616.

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Abstract

Globally, 16% of people live with a disability, with higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, the prevalence was 13.2%, with Lagos State recording the highest. Maternal mortality remains a major concern in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths. Women with disabilities face additional barriers to maternal healthcare, increasing their risk of adverse health outcomes. This study examined the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with maternal healthcare utilisation, specifically antenatal care (ANC), health facility delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) among women with disabilities in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 women with physical or visual disabilities in Alimosho and Ikorodu, Lagos State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire via the Open Data Kit platform. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and complementary log-log regression models were used to assess associations. Utilisation of maternal healthcare services was high: 82.4% attended ANC, 70.4% delivered in health facilities, and 78.4% received PNC. Higher ANC attendance was associated with residence in Ikorodu (aOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.73–4.27). Facility delivery was linked to the middle wealth index (aOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06–2.56), and PNC utilisation was higher among those with tertiary education (aOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.03–5.13). Maternal healthcare utilisation among women with disabilities in Lagos was relatively high. However, disparities persist by location, education, marital status, and wealth. Tailored interventions are crucial for improving equitable access and achieving SDG 3 targets.