Extended Family Networks and Maternal Health Behaviour in Bayelsa State

This study focused on how the extended family network affects maternal health behaviour among women in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The three objectives of the study were to observe intrahousehold decision-making on antenatal care utilisation, analyse how co-residence with other members of the extended family and decision-making influence access to Caesarean section delivery, and evaluate the effect of household size on access to skilled birth attendants. The Household Bargaining Theory was used as the theoretical foundation for the study, as it focuses on the dynamics of power differences and resource control in the household, which influences individual decision-making and their health-seeking behaviour. A descriptive survey research design was employed in carrying out this study on Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) (15–49 years). The estimated total number of WRA in Ekeremor LGA is 80,437. Sample size (398) was computed using Taro Yamane's formula, and a three-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting samples for the four communities, namely: Egbema-Angalabiri, Aleibiri, Isampou and Ayamasa. A total of 398 questionnaires were distributed, and 362 were retrieved and analysed; ten in-depth interviews were conducted amongst traditional birth attendants, mothers-in-law/elder female relatives, husbands/spouses and health workers. Instrument validation involved both Face and Content Validity, and a reliability coefficient was obtained through Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a result of 0.82. Data were analysed as follows: quantitative data (descriptive statistics): frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, and qualitative data (thematic analysis). The study found that other household members were significant determinants in determining how women could use antenatal services. Co-residence with relatives, combined with greater decision-making power, was identified as having a positive role in facilitating women's acceptance of Caesarean section birth; having a larger household size led to fewer skilled birth attendants due to finances and limited decision-making autonomy. The study found that family structures, in terms of being extended, had a significant impact on maternal health behaviour. Based on the findings, the study recommended greater health education for families, more community awareness around CS, and specific programmes for large families.