KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSING MOTHERS TOWARDS SCREENING AND POSTNATAL SERVICES IN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER IN OGOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSING MOTHERS TOWARDS SCREENING AND POSTNATAL SERVICES IN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER IN OGOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Department of Nursing Science
2-Department of Public Health
3-Department of Maternal and Child Health
4-Department of Community Health
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/Citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnaire

ABSTRACT 
This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State. The study was specifically carried out to assess the level of knowledge of nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services at primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, determine the level of utilization of screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, assess the attitudes of nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, and identify factors influencing nursing mothers' attitudes toward and utilization of screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised 1,020 registered nursing mothers attending selected primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, while a total of 287 respondents were selected as sample size using the Taro Yamane formula. Out of the 287 questionnaires distributed, 273 were returned and 273 were validated for analysis. The questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations with the aid of SPSS version 27. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that nursing mothers possess a high level of knowledge regarding screening and postnatal services, as the majority of the respondents agreed that screening services help in the early detection of health problems, postnatal services are important for monitoring maternal health after childbirth, regular postnatal visits contribute to the prevention of maternal and infant complications, and primary health centres provide necessary screening and postnatal healthcare services. The study also showed that nursing mothers demonstrate a high level of utilization of screening and postnatal services through regular attendance at postnatal clinics, utilization of infant screening services, participation in health education sessions, and use of primary healthcare services whenever postnatal healthcare needs arise. Likewise, the findings revealed that nursing mothers possess positive attitudes towards screening and postnatal services, as they perceive such services as beneficial to maternal and child health, consider postnatal care important after delivery, and are willing to participate in screening and postnatal healthcare programmes. The study further revealed that distance to health facilities, transportation costs, family support, availability of healthcare personnel, and waiting time at health facilities are major factors influencing nursing mothers' attitudes and utilization of screening and postnatal services. The study concluded that nursing mothers attending primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area possess adequate knowledge of screening and postnatal services, maintain positive attitudes towards these services, and actively utilize available maternal healthcare services. The study therefore recommends that health authorities should intensify awareness programmes on screening and postnatal services, improve accessibility to maternal healthcare facilities, strengthen healthcare workforce capacity, and implement measures aimed at reducing barriers to the utilization of screening and postnatal services among nursing mothers.
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Nursing Mothers, Screening Services, Postnatal Services, Primary Health Centres.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
The postpartum period represents a critical phase in the continuum of maternal and child healthcare, encompassing the weeks and months following childbirth during which both the mother and infant require sustained health support and monitoring. Preventive and Promotive Health Services (PPHS) to enhance maternal and newborn health have been a focus across the world. These services include nutrition counseling, immunizations, routine health exams and screening programs to detect health issues early. Arefadib et al., 2022, indicated that there was a significant role of incorporating preventive health care activities in the maternal health programmes to enhancing health-seeking behavior of women. Likewise, Kasem et al. (2022) found that the use of maternal health services contributed to good health practice awareness and promoted positive health outcomes of mothers and children. Similarly, Musie and Mulaudzi (2024) reported that provision of maternal healthcare services is an integral part of primary healthcare services, as it positively contributes to the wellbeing of families and communities. This general knowledge of maternal health care helps provide a framework for considering in greater depth some of the services that help women to sustain their health after giving birth.
In the field of maternal health, post-natal services are a specific type of care provided to mothers and infants after they have given birth. Postnatal services are the all-encompassing health care interventions for the post-partum period designed to track recovery, encourage good habits, and to help ensure that mom and baby are well. These services may encompass physical exams, counseling, breastfeeding support, family planning education, immunization guidance, and health screening activities. Andong et al. (2023) found that postnatal services were found to be critical as it contributed to improving maternal knowledge on childcare practices and personal health maintenance. Maitanmi et al. (2023) also reported that good postnatal care enabled the mothers to make informed choices and boost their confidence in taking care of their babies and themselves. Furthermore, Offomiyor and Rehal (2022) noted that healthcare providers at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) are sources of information and support for postpartum period. Thus, postnatal services have become part and parcel of maternal and child health care and the mothers should have sufficient knowledge and positive perception on healthcare interventions available.
Screening is an integral part of postnatal care, and means the systematic evaluation of individuals for the identification of health issues, risk factors or developmental issues prior to the appearance of signs or symptoms. Screenings during the post natal period could include monitoring maternal health conditions, infant growth and development, nutritional status and other health indicators that need attention in a timely manner. Knowledge is a description of what people know, understand and are aware of about a specific topic and attitude is defined as the feelings, beliefs, perceptions and dispositions which affect their responses towards a phenomenon or service. The findings from Chukwu et al. (2024) indicated that mothers' knowledge had a significant impact on their knowledge on healthcare recommendations and available services. Odebode et al. (2025) found that positive attitudes towards health care interventions positively influenced participation in screening programmes and routine health services. Likewise, Sabo et al. (2025) observed that the health service utilization among women was influenced by their awareness and perception of the services. Jaiyeola (2026) also reported that informed mothers were more likely to practice positive behaviors in the health sector that would promote mothers and children wellbeing. Knowledge and attitudes, therefore, continue to be important constructs in understanding the interaction between nursing mothers and screening and post natal health-care services.
The importance of knowledge and attitude towards screening and postnatal services are magnified in the context of the primary healthcare as many mothers access health services through this platform first. Primary Health Centres offer easily available maternal and child health services such as health education, routine screening, immunisation, counselling as well as post natal services. Eko et al. (2025) found that primary health care facilities were the key factors in the community level for maternal health awareness and utilization of services. According to Olubodun et al. (2025), health interventions provided via primary health centres also helped to enhance maternal health experiences and community health outcomes. Nursing mothers' access to maternal and child health care services is important in Primary Health Centres as a platform in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is important to understand the knowledge and attitude of nurse mothers regarding screening and post natal services in these facilities to get a glimpse of the experience of mothers in accessing healthcare as well as the use of services available. Thus, this study is aimed at evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of the nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services in Primary Health Centres in Ogoja Local Government Area.

1.2   Statement of the Problem
The utilization of maternal and child healthcare services remains a central focus within primary healthcare systems globally, particularly in relation to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Postnatal and screening services are organized to provide for early detection of potential health risks, recovery after birth and to encourage informed health practices among nursing mothers. Postnatal healthcare services were considered critical points of maternal health continuity that provide mothers and babies with sufficient monitoring post-birth, according to Andong et al., (2023) and Musie and Mulaudzi, (2024). Likewise, Kasem et al. (2022) and Arefadib et al. (2022) pointed out that the structured maternal healthcare services were designed to enhance the prevention services and health outcomes in communities. Even though these services are offered at the primary healthcare level, awareness and utilization of the services by the nursing mothers are critical parameters in the delivery of maternal healthcare service as their effectiveness rely greatly on the level of awareness and appreciation of the service.
Although post natal and screening services have been introduced in Primary Health Centres, there is significant gap between the provision of services and their utilisation by nursing mothers. It has been observed that low uptake of these services and the negative attitude of people towards them may be due to low knowledge of these services and this may impact the effectiveness of maternal healthcare delivery. Chukwu et al. (2024) and Odebode et al. (2025) found that maternal knowledge and perception play a significant role in health care-seeking behaviors and utilization of preventive health services. Similarly, Sabo et al. (2025) and Jaiyeola (2026) reported that the lack of knowledge or negative attitudes of mothers regarding health interventions reduced the utilization of the services even if they were easily accessible. This disparity between services rendered and services used indicates that the health education, communication and maternal engagement in the health care system in Ogoja LGA may be poor.
Ideally, the situation should be such that the nursing mothers in Ogoja Local Government Area have sufficient knowledge on screening and positive attitude that will promote the continuous use of Primary Health Centre services. Yet current evidence shows potential gaps in awareness, perceptions and utilization of available maternal health services that can affect the effectiveness of maternal health care provision at primary care level. Eko et al. (2025) and Olubodun et al. (2025) emphasized the need to improve maternal knowledge and attitudes towards health facilities to facilitate health services uptake and health outcomes. The current disparity between the desired and actual involvement of the mother in the study area indicates a need to conduct empirical studies on their knowledge and attitude. This study thus aims to bridge this gap by exploring the effect of the above on the use of screening and postnatal services in Primary Health Centres in Ogoja Local Government Area.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The study's overall purpose is to assess the knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services in primary health center in Ogoja Local Government Area. The study, on the other hand, was focused on achieving these precise goals:
1.Assess the level of knowledge of nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services at primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area.
2.Determine the level of utilization of screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area.
3.Assess the attitudes of nursing mothers towards screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area.
4.Identify factors influencing nursing mothers' attitudes toward and utilization of screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions: 
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Assumption of the Study
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of nursing mothers, knowledge of nursing mothers towards screening services, attitude of nursing mothers towards screening services, postnatal services, factors influencing the utilization of postnatal services, etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODS (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises nursing mothers attending selected primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 287 nursing mothers.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a stratified sampling technique and purposive sampling technique to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses.
Full outline for chapter three:
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of Study
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.5 Data Collection Instrument
3.6 Validity of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument
3.8 Method of Data Collection
3.9 Coding and Scoring of the Instrument
3.10 Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made: 

i. The study found that nursing mothers possess a high level of knowledge towards screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing with all five items, with combined agreement figures ranging from 187 to 197 respondents. The corresponding analysis showed that all items received positive responses, indicating a high level of knowledge among nursing mothers.

ii. The study found that nursing mothers demonstrate a high level of utilization of screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing with all five items, with combined agreement figures ranging from 181 to 192 respondents. The findings indicate that nursing mothers utilize screening and postnatal services, including routine infant screening, scheduled postnatal visits, and health education sessions.

iii. The study found that nursing mothers possess positive attitudes towards screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing with all five items, with combined agreement figures ranging from 190 to 195 respondents. The findings indicate that nursing mothers recognize the benefits of these services and demonstrate willingness to participate in screening and postnatal programmes.

iv. The study found that distance to health facilities, transportation costs, family support, availability of healthcare personnel, and waiting time influence nursing mothers’ attitudes and utilization of screening and postnatal services in primary health centres in Ogoja Local Government Area, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing with all five items, with combined agreement figures ranging from 192 to 194 respondents. The findings indicate that these factors play important roles in nursing mothers’ access to and utilization of screening and postnatal services.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings
5.2 Implications of the Study
5.3. Limitations of the Study
5.4 Contributions to Knowledge
5.5 Summary of the Study
5.6 Conclusion
5.7 Recommendations
5.8 Suggestions for Further Studies

Reference

Appendix

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