Occupation and Income as Determinants of Uptake of Antenatal Care Services Among Pregnant Women in Olorunda Local Government Area, Oyo State

Antenatal care determines maternal and child death rate and is also one of the important aspects of maternal care which can adequately preserve the health of the mother and child if well taken. This study therefore examines Occupation and Income as Determinants of Uptake of Antenatal Care Services Among Pregnant Women in Olorunda Local Government Area, Oyo State.  The objectives of the study were to examine occupation and income level as determinants of uptake of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Olorunda Local Government Area, Oyo State. Descriptive research design of the survey type was used for the study. Population for the study comprised all pregnant women in Olorunda Local Government Area, Oyo State. Proportionate and simple random sampling technique was used to select 406 respondents. A researcher designed a questionnaire which was validated and tested for reliability which yielded a coefficient of r = .88 through a split-half method using Cronbach-alpha. A researcher’s designed questionnaire was administered and collected by the researcher with three trained research assistants. The inferential statistics of Anova was used to analyse the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed occupation with (calculated F. value = 0.446 > P.value = 0.640 degree of freedom =2, 497); level of income with (calculated F. value = 4.307 > P. value = 0.101 degree of freedom =2, 497). It was concluded from the study that farmer/artisans pregnant women uptake antenatal care services more than others in the occupation group and medium income level pregnant women uptake antenatal care services more than others in income level group. Based on the conclusion, the following recommendations were made: pregnant women, irrespective of their occupation should uptake antenatal care services by attending health talks and obey them to improve their lifestyle during pregnancy for easy delivery and support from NGOs and the state government would enable pregnant women who cannot afford antenatal care services uptake it as well.