Spousal Support for Maternal Health Service Access and Spousal Abuse among Expectant and Nursing Mothers in Idemili South L.G.A, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper has investigated the relationship between spousal support for maternal access to health care and spousal abuse experiences of expectant and nursing mothers in the Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Using the AGIL Model, the Structural Violence Theory (SVT), and the Social Support Theory (SST), the study examined the nature of interactions between structural, institutional and relational factors to influence health experiences among the study population. A descriptive-correlational survey design was adopted for the study and the data were collected using face-to-face questionnaire to as sample of 232 participants in eight primary healthcare facilities, who were selected using the proportionate convenience sampling technique. Descriptive - frequency count and percentage and inferential statistics (t-test), were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that while financial support from spouses was relatively high, emotional and practical support were moderate to low. Overall, 69% of respondents reported occasional experiences of spousal abuse, whereas 16.6% had never experienced abuse. Statistical analysis
indicated a significant negative interrelationship between spousal support and spousal abuse (t = 7.84, p =.001), which meant that higher levels of spousal support were associated with lower incidences of spousal abuse. The study also found that male low participation in maternal care due to patriarchal orientation, financial strains, and poor institutional mobilization leads to stress and experiences of spousal abuse. The study therefore recommends that institutional support on maternal health should be enhanced, that males should be engaged in other areas other than money and that sensitisation of communities should be done to encourage equitable gender relations. Such interventions are relevant in enhancing the health of expectant and nursing mothers, as well as minimising the chances of spousal abuse in the rural Nigerian setting.