Maternal Information Needs of Pregnant Women: The Role of Medical Information Centres on Service Delivery
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Abstract
Background: Maternal information is an important need of pregnant women. Despite improvements in healthcare access, many women lack critical maternal health knowledge, contributing to preventable complications. This study examines maternal information needs of pregnant women and the role of medical information centres in service delivery.
Methods: Using a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 321 registered pregnant women who visited Medical Information Centres across six Federal Medical Centres (FMC) in Nigeria. Data were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores.
Results: Findings revealed that antenatal care (29.2%) was the most pressing information need of the respondents. Nurses and midwives (26.3%), doctors (25.2%), and medical information centres (10.3%) were the most frequently consulted for maternal information. 59.5% of respondents acknowledged the importance of medical information centres. Health talks/seminars (41.7%), one-on-one counselling (22.7%), and reading materials (19%) were the top service choices provided by medical information centres. Challenges such as limited access (27.2%), poor communication (24.3%), and low awareness (21.5%) hindered pregnant women’s access to medical information centres.
Conclusion: The study concludes that improving maternal health literacy requires strengthening medical centres through targeted awareness campaigns, digital outreach, and community partnerships.
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