Population Displacement and Maternal Healthcare Utilization Among Women in Conflict Affected Communities in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria
Population displacement resulting from armed conflict has become a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, where it has disrupted access to essential maternal healthcare services among women. This study examined the effect of population displacement on maternal healthcare utilization among women in conflict-affected communities in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, focusing on antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and challenges affecting access to maternal healthcare. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. The study involved women of reproductive age (15–49 years), with 400 respondents selected through multistage sampling. Out of the questionnaires administered, 391 were correctly completed and analysed, while 18 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted with displaced women, healthcare workers, traditional birth attendants, community leaders, IDP camp officials, and humanitarian representatives. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square (χ²), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that population displacement significantly reduced antenatal care utilization, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care utilization among women. The study also identified insecurity, transportation difficulties, shortage of healthcare workers, financial challenges, and inadequate medical supplies as major barriers to maternal healthcare utilization. The hypotheses tested showed significant relationships between population displacement and antenatal care utilization (χ² = 38.624, p < 0.05), skilled birth attendance (χ² = 41.783, p < 0.05), postnatal care utilization (χ² = 36.912, p < 0.05), and overall maternal healthcare utilization (χ² = 44.156, p < 0.05). The study concludes that population displacement negatively affects maternal healthcare utilization among women in conflict-affected communities. It recommends improved maternal healthcare services, expansion of mobile health clinics, strengthened security measures, and increased humanitarian support for displaced populations.