Challenges in access and satisfaction with reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey
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Date
2021
Authors
Balogun, M
Banke-Thomas, A
Sekoni, A
Boateng, GO
Yesufu, V
Wright, O
Ubani, O
Abayomi, A
Afolabi, BB
Ogunsola, F
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Abstract
Background
The presence of COVID-19 has led to the disruption of health systems globally, including
essential reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) services. This study
aimed to assess the challenges faced by women who used RMNCH services in Nigeria’s
epicentre, their satisfaction with care received during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors
associated with their satisfaction.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Lagos, southwest Nigeria among 1,241
women of reproductive age who had just received RMNCH services at one of twenty-two
health facilities across the primary, secondary and tertiary tiers of health care. The respondents
were selected via multi-stage sampling and face to face exit interviews were conducted
by trained interviewers. Client satisfaction was assessed across four sub-scales:
health care delivery, health facility, interpersonal aspects of care and access to services.
Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship between personal
characteristics and client satisfaction.
Results
About 43.51% of respondents had at least one challenge in accessing RMNCH services
since the COVID-19 outbreak. Close to a third (31.91%) could not access service because
they could not leave their houses during the lockdown and 18.13% could not access service
because there was no transportation. The mean clients’ satisfaction score among the
respondents was 43.25 (SD: 6.28) out of a possible score of 57. Satisfaction scores for the
interpersonal aspects of care were statistically significantly lower in the PHCs and general
hospitals compared to teaching hospitals. Being over 30 years of age was significantly associated
with an increased clients’ satisfaction score (ß = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.10–2.50).
Conclusion
The COVID-19 lockdown posed challenges to accessing RMNCH services for a significant
proportion of women surveyed. Although overall satisfaction with care was fairly high, there
is a need to provide tailored COVID-19 sensitive inter-personal care to clients at all levels of
care.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, Client's satisfaction, RMNCH services
Citation
Balogun M, Banke-Thomas A, Sekoni A, Boateng GO, Yesufu V, et al. Challenges in access and satisfaction with reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey. PLOS ONE. 2021; 16(5): e0251382. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251382