Nigeria's Home Births: A Closer Look at Rural and Urban Differences

Nigeria faces serious challenges with high maternal and newborn death rates. One big reason is that many women give birth at home instead of in hospitals. This happens more in rural areas than in cities. The lack of skilled help and quick access to medical care in emergencies makes home births risky. The problem is not the same everywhere in Nigeria. Some places have worse issues than others. This study looks at why home births happen more in certain areas. It compares rural and urban settings to understand the differences. In cities, women are more likely to go to hospitals for childbirth. But in rural areas, many women still give birth at home. This could be because hospitals are far away or because people do not trust medical facilities. Cultural beliefs and lack of education also play a role. Home births can be dangerous. Without proper medical care, both mothers and babies are at risk. The study shows that more needs to be done to improve healthcare access in rural areas. Better education and more hospitals could help save lives.