Determinants of Place of Delivery Among Women in Rural Taraba State

The choice of delivery location, whether health facility or home, is a critical determinant of maternal and neonatal survival, yet home delivery rates remain high in rural Taraba State, North East Nigeria, driven by complex individual, household, and structural factors. This study investigates the determinants of place of delivery among women in rural communities of Taraba State. A community-based cross-sectional survey enrolled 270 women who delivered within the preceding 12 months in Jalingo, Zing, and Gashaka LGAs. A structured questionnaire assessed delivery location, reasons for choice, sociodemographic characteristics, antenatal care history, and influence of household decision-makers. Facility delivery was achieved by 33 percent of respondents. Traditional birth attendant-assisted home delivery was most common (52 percent). Significant determinants of facility delivery included secondary or higher education (OR 3.8), four or more antenatal visits (OR 4.2), exposure to obstetric danger signs education (OR 2.9), and husband's support for facility delivery (OR 3.6). Poor road access and distance exceeding 10 km to the nearest health facility were the strongest infrastructure barriers. Cost of delivery and fear of male health workers were prominent socio-cultural barriers for rural Taraba women. Recommendations include expanded community midwifery services, transport voucher schemes, and structured male partner sensitisation programmes in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Health. Keywords: place of delivery, facility delivery, Taraba State, determinants, rural obstetrics