Substance Exposure among Women attending Antenatal Clinics in Dutsin-Ma Township of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated substance exposure among women attending antenatal clinics in Dutsin-Ma Township of Katsina state, Nigeria with the view to proffer a lasting solution for healthy mothers, babies and society. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The population of the study comprised all consenting women attending antenatal in five functional clinics in Dutsin-Ma Township as at February, 2016, totaling to 1126. A sample size of 281 was used, using proportionate stratified random sampling technique. A self developed interview instrument was used. The instrument was validated by three experts. Split-half method was used, using Spearman-Brown Prophecy Formula with reliability coefficient index of 0.82. Data generated were subjected to frequency and percentage counts. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at level of ≤ 0.05. The findings of this study showed that there is significant incidence of substance exposure 47 (16.7%) among expectant women attending antenatal clinics in Dutsin-Ma Township (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the substance exposure among expecting mothers attending antenatal clinics in Dutsin-Ma Township based on their home location and based on clinics attended (p=0.343 and 0.579) respectively.  Based on these findings, it is recommended that all expectant mothers should be encouraged to  attend antenatal clinic for their safety and that of their babies.