Browsing by Author "Nwokocha, E.E."

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Pregnancy outcomes among the Ibani of Rivers State, Nigeria: findings from case-studies
(2006) Nwokocha, E.E.
The prevalence of high maternal and infant morbidity/mortality among the Ibani of Rivers State, Nigeria, is linked to socio-cultural factors that influence perceptions, attitudes and practices of the people with regard to pregnancy. This study investigates the factors affecting pregnancy outcomes among the Ibani by examining 19 cases identified through Exit-interviews (EIs). Findings indicate that pregnancy outcomes depend on the interaction of complex variables such as male role, socioeconomic status of women, child spacing, access and use of maternal health facilities, among others. The results show that there are 4 principal types of pregnancy outcomes among the Ibani, which include: Type-1 representing maternal and infant survival; Type-2 which is synonymous with maternal survival but infant mortality; Type-3 or spontaneous abortion; and Type-4 which represents maternal mortality but infant survival. The findings suggest that multiple social, cultural and ideological factors condition behaviours among the Ibani and that pregnancy outcomes are only comprehensively understood in the context they occur.
Social context of healthcare utilization among people with mental illness in Southwestern, Nigeria
(2014) Ayobola, M. M.; Nwokocha, E.E.
This study examined healthcare utilization among people with mental illness in Abeokuta and Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria as a way of understanding the context in which health seeking and treatment take place. The Health Belief Model and Rational Choice Theory were employed as theoretical framework. Data were collected using three qualitative methods. Twenty four In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted among traditional healers, psychiatrist and significant others to patients. Four Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were undertaken among mental healthcare providers. In addition, four FGDs were conducted among female and male participants in Ibadan. The findings revealed a strong perception that mental illness is caused mainly by supernatural forces. The notion that mental illness is incurable, transmissible and infectious accounts for harassment and stigmatization of victims and their families which often explains the withdrawal of patients from medical care. Most of the participants preferred the traditional pathway to treatment, irrespective of its perceived limitations. It is essential to put in place a policy to discourage stigmatization and discrimination against mentally ill patients in order to encourage healthcare utilization.