The Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing The Ultilization of Maternal And Child Healthcare Services in kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The persistent high occurrence of maternal and child morbidity and mortality especially in SubSaharan African societies still reflects that much ground is yet to be covered on maternal and child healthcare. The study therefore, investigates the socio-cultural factors that influence the utilization of MCH. The study uses triangulation of a structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview in data collection. The study population of 208 men and women and 4 health workers and the findings from the analyzed data reveal that the level of education of mothers', patriarchal family system, cultural beliefs and economic stand of the family are the factors that influence the level of utilization of maternal and child healthcare services. Consequent upon the findings of the study, there is need for social empowerment of women and revitalization of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Nigeria.