Assessment of Maternal Health Service Utilisation Among Rural Women in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria, with rural communities in the North West geopolitical zone bearing a disproportionate burden. This study assesses the level of maternal health service utilisation among rural women of reproductive age in Kebbi State, examining the influence of socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, distance to health facilities, and spousal support on care-seeking behaviour. A descriptive cross-sectional design is adopted, with structured questionnaires administered to 320 women selected through multistage sampling from four rural local government areas. Data are analysed using SPSS version 26, with frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests employed to determine associations between variables. Preliminary findings from related literature indicate that fewer than 40 percent of rural women in North West Nigeria complete the recommended antenatal care schedule, with transportation barriers and cultural restrictions identified as dominant deterrents. The study draws on the Health Belief Model to explain decision-making patterns around maternal care uptake. Findings are expected to highlight facility-level and community-level gaps that limit service accessibility and uptake. Recommendations will focus on community health worker deployment, male partner engagement programmes, and targeted health communication campaigns. The study contributes to localised evidence needed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in underserved communities and supports the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being. Keywords: maternal health, service utilisation, rural women, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria.