Perceived effectiveness of the midwives service scheme among beneficiaries in Oyo State, Nigeria

The Midwives Service Scheme (MSS) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to reverse the country’s unacceptably high maternal and neonatal mortality. It has been in operation for over five years (2009) and it became imperative to review its success. This study therefore assessed the effectiveness of the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS) in Oyo state. The study was carried out in Akinyele, Lagelu and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas (LGAs). Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 135 beneficiaries from the study area. Data on characteristics of the respondents, benefits derived, constraints to effectiveness and perceived effectiveness of the scheme were collected through structured questionnaire administered to (135) beneficiaries of MSS in Oyo state. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi Square, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results showed that respondents benefited to a large extent from skilled birth attendants (97.0%), Antenatal care (94.1%) and 24 hours qualified managed service (94.1%). Ambulance service was the only activity which majority of the beneficiaries (97.8%) were not satisfied with. Beneficiaries (68.1%) perceived the MSS as highly effective, while poor ambulance services (̅ =1.93) and erratic power supply (̅=1.79) were the most limiting constraints faced by the beneficiaries. MSS was substantially effective in achieving its set objectives in the study area in spite of the constraints being faced. Ambulances should be made available to PHCs so as to enhance referral system.