Trends in maternal health facilities utilization and women's autonomy in Nigeria (2013-2018): Attainment of sustainable development goals-5

Maternal health has emerged as a global priority because of a significant gap in the status of the mother's wellbeing between the developed and the less developed countries. Women's equality and empowerment are one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at ending and eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls both in public and private spheres. The Decision-making power of women is one of the essential factors which influence maternal healthcare service utilization. This study aims to assess the association between women's autonomy and the use of healthcare facilities for delivery in Nigeria. In all, a total of (n = 19,654), 2013 NDHS and (n = 21,340), 2018 NDHS women were analyzed in this study. The association of the socioeconomic and demographic variables, women's autonomy, and healthcare utilization was analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test in the bivariate and binary logistic regressions. Bivariate analysis indicated that all the background factors across the five years preceding the survey have a significant association with the women's autonomy during their last pregnancy (P < 0.001). The utilization of healthcare facilities was found to be high and encouraging among Nigerian women. The participation of women in the decision-making process regarding healthcare should be increased for better utilization of healthcare facilities for delivery in Nigeria. These findings made, are based on the recommendations which provide women with equal opportunity of having access to education, health care, decent work, and decision-making processes, which will fuel sustainable economies and humanity at large for all ages in Nigeria.