1.1 Introduction
Antenatal care (ANC) is defined by the World Health Organization (2019) as the routine health supervision of women during pregnancy to ensure the best possible health conditions for both mother and child. It involves a series of clinical assessments, health education, counseling, and preventive interventions aimed at promoting maternal well-being and reducing risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth (WHO, 2019). The share market, in this context, refers to the group of women engaged in trading, small-scale vending, and other informal business activities within market environments. According to Adetunji (2022), such occupational and economic challenges limit their ability to attend regular antenatal appointments or afford the associated costs of healthcare. Many of them prioritize economic survival over health needs, which exposes them to risks of pregnancy-related complications that could otherwise be prevented with proper medical attention.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In developing countries, including Nigeria, the evolution of antenatal care came much later, largely influenced by colonial health policies and later by global public health campaigns. Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the most vital components of maternal and child health services aimed at promoting the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their unborn children. According to the World Health Organization (2019), antenatal care refers to the regular medical supervision and health services provided to pregnant women to ensure safe pregnancy and delivery. It includes medical examinations, nutritional advice, immunization, health education, and counseling. The importance of ANC lies in its ability to detect, prevent, and manage potential complications during pregnancy, thereby reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (World Health Organization, 2019).
Olayemi and Bello (2020) asserted that antenatal care provides a platform for early detection of pregnancy-related complications such as anemia, preeclampsia, and infections that may threaten the health of both the mother and the baby. They emphasized that consistent and quality antenatal visits improve pregnancy outcomes and increase the likelihood of safe delivery. Similarly, Okafor and Uzochukwu (2020) reported that ANC plays a significant role in enhancing women's awareness of maternal health practices and in preparing them physically, mentally, and socially for childbirth.
Women in the share market, who are often engaged in small-scale trading or informal business activities, constitute a critical segment of society whose occupational and economic realities affect their access to healthcare. Adetunji (2022) affirmed that women in the informal market sector frequently face financial constraints, time limitations, and poor access to health facilities, which hinder their ability to attend regular antenatal appointments. The informal nature of their work means that they lack job security, social protection, and maternity benefits, making it difficult for them to prioritize health over income-generating activities.
Eze and Nwosu (2020) stated that cultural beliefs and misconceptions about pregnancy further contribute to low utilization of antenatal services among market women. In some communities, pregnancy is seen as a natural process that does not require medical supervision, leading many women to rely on traditional birth attendants or self-care. This cultural orientation has been linked to higher rates of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. On the other hand, Adebayo and Yusuf (2021) reported that proper education, awareness campaigns, and supportive health policies can significantly increase antenatal care attendance among women in informal sectors.
Furthermore, Okeke and Eze (2021) contended that antenatal care is not only beneficial for detecting medical conditions but also for providing emotional and psychological support to pregnant women. Regular visits to health facilities offer opportunities for counseling, mental health assessment, and guidance on birth preparedness. However, the lack of effective maternal healthcare infrastructure, especially in urban markets and rural trading areas, continues to pose a barrier to the full realization of these benefits.
The Federal Ministry of Health (2021) reported that many maternal deaths are preventable through adequate and timely antenatal interventions. Despite government efforts to promote free or subsidized maternal healthcare, the level of awareness and accessibility among women in the share market remains inadequate. As a result, many of these women are exposed to pregnancy-related complications that could otherwise be prevented through regular antenatal checkups. This study is set against the backdrop of the need to explore the benefits of antenatal care for women in the share market, with a view to identifying the barriers, challenges, and potential strategies for improving maternal health outcomes among this group.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the women involved in the share market often face unique challenges. They operate in an environment characterized by informal trade, low income, and limited access to social amenities, including healthcare services. As noted by Okafor and Uzochukwu (2020), women in informal economic sectors are more likely to prioritize daily survival over health needs, leading to irregular or late attendance at antenatal clinics. The lack of proper information and education about the importance of antenatal visits further exacerbates the issue, as many women rely on traditional birth attendants, exposing themselves and their unborn children to health risks.
On the other hand, studies have shown that effective antenatal care contributes significantly to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Adequate ANC visits help detect potential complications such as preeclampsia, anemia, and gestational diabetes early enough for proper management (Adebayo & Olayinka, 2021). It also enhances maternal nutrition, birth preparedness, and overall pregnancy outcomes. Yet, the challenge remains that women in the share market sector often experience barriers that prevent them from reaping these benefits fully.
Furthermore, societal expectations and the absence of workplace maternity support structures often compel these women to work throughout pregnancy, neglecting their health needs. According to Eze et al. (2022), the demanding nature of informal market activities leaves little time for routine antenatal visits, and this contributes to preventable maternal health complications. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the benefits of antenatal care for women in the share market.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The main aim of this study is to explore the benefits of antenatal care for women in the share market. The specific objectives of this research are to:
- Assess the relationship between antenatal care attendance and maternal health outcomes among share market women.
- Determine the challenges affecting women in the share market from accessing antenatal care services.
- Examine the level of awareness of antenatal care among women in the share market.
- Identify the major benefits of antenatal care to women traders in the share market.
- Suggest strategies that will enhance antenatal care utilization among women in the share market.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the following research questions will guide the study:
- What is the level of awareness of antenatal care among women in the share market?
- What are the major benefits of antenatal care to women in the share market?
- What challenges affect women traders in the share market in accessing antenatal care services?
- What is the relationship between antenatal care attendance and maternal health outcomes among share market women?
- What strategies will improve antenatal care utilization among women in the share market?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
Based on the research objectives, the following hypothesis will be tested:
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between antenatal care attendance and improved maternal health outcomes among women in the share market.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between antenatal care attendance and improved maternal health outcomes among women in the share market.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help to identify the specific challenges that women in the share market face in accessing and utilizing antenatal care services. In addition, the study will create awareness on the numerous health, emotional, and social benefits of regular antenatal care visits during pregnancy.
Furthermore, the study will serve as a foundation for intervention programs targeted at empowering market women with maternal health education and financial support.
Lastly, this research will add to existing academic literature on maternal health and informal sector studies, creating awareness about the health challenges faced by women in the share market and emphasizing the importance of consistent antenatal attendance for safe pregnancy and delivery.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study will be conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, focusing on women engaged in trading within major share markets such as Mile 1, Mile 3, and Oil Mill Markets. The study will cover topics relating to the awareness, benefits, and challenges of antenatal care utilization among market women, as well as the impact of antenatal services on maternal health outcomes within this population.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
The study was limited by several factors such as insufficient data on informal sector health statistics, financial constraints that restricted the extent of fieldwork, and delays from respondents who were often busy with market activities.
Time constraints also affected the depth of interviews and data collection. In addition, irregular electricity supply delayed data entry and analysis.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Antenatal Care (ANC):
According to the World Health Organization (2019), antenatal care refers to the routine health supervision and medical attention given to pregnant women during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the fetus.
Share Market:
As defined by Adetunji (2022), the share market in this context refers to an informal trading environment where women engage in daily buying and selling activities to earn a living, often without stable income or social protection.
Maternal Health:
Olayemi and Bello (2020) described maternal health as the overall well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, including both physical and psychological aspects.
Informal Sector:
According to Okafor and Uzochukwu (2020), the informal sector comprises unregistered economic activities and self-employed individuals who operate without formal employment contracts, such as market traders and street vendors.
Health Awareness:
Eze and Nwosu (2020) defined health awareness as the degree of knowledge and understanding individuals have about health-related issues, including preventive care and the benefits of health services like antenatal care.
Pregnancy Outcome:
Okeke and Eze (2021) stated that pregnancy outcome refers to the end result of a pregnancy, including the health of the mother and the baby, as influenced by the quality of care received during pregnancy.
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