Perception and Utilisation of Traditional Birth Attendants Among Pregnant Women in Delta State, South South Nigeria

Traditional birth attendants continue to play a significant role in birth management in South South Nigeria, particularly in rural and riverine communities of Delta State where skilled birth attendance rates remain suboptimal. This study examines the perceptions and utilisation patterns of traditional birth attendants among pregnant women in selected communities of Delta State. A cross-sectional descriptive design is used, with 300 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters recruited through multistage sampling from six rural communities. Structured questionnaires and focused group discussions gather data on awareness of traditional birth attendants, reasons for preference, satisfaction levels, perceived safety, and awareness of skilled birth attendance alternatives. SPSS is used for quantitative analysis, while qualitative findings are subjected to thematic coding. Evidence from the National Population Commission's 2022 maternal health report indicates that up to 35 percent of deliveries in rural Delta communities still occur outside formal healthcare facilities, with traditional birth attendants attending a significant proportion. The study is conceptually guided by the Predisposing, Enabling, and Need model of healthcare utilisation. Findings will inform the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency on integrating traditional birth attendants into the formal referral system while promoting skilled delivery. The study contributes to reducing maternal mortality under the national Safe Motherhood Initiative. Keywords: traditional birth attendants, pregnant women, maternal health, Delta State, South South Nigeria.