Abstract:

The paper focuses on postnatal counselling methods and HIV/STD counselling methods among mothers in Cross River state. The researcher, in consonance with Faundes (2008), stated that unsafe abortion can lead to the termination of the woman’s life, infertility and fatality. In support of Angeles, Abel and Jacques (2021), the researcher agreed in accordance with the finding of the study that in improving the physical, mental and social health of mothers, their babies and their households would be placed at an advantage. Two research questions were drawn and two null hypotheses were generated to direct the variables under study. Also, relevant literature was reviewed in line with the research objectives with most of the literature supporting the theoretical framework. Ex-post facto design was adopted for the study. A sample of 600 respondents was randomly selected for the study from a population of 3,006. The selection was done through the sampling and purposive sampling technique. The questionnaire called (SMCQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face validity by one expert in Guidance and Counselling and two experts in Measurement and Evaluation in the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the Cronbach Alpha reliability method. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was the statistical analysis technique adopted to test the hypotheses under study. All hypotheses were subjected to testing at .05 level of significance. From the data analysis, the researcher found that postnatal counselling and HIV/STD counselling significantly influence safe motherhood practices among women of reproductive age. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher agreed with Taheri, Takian and Taghizadan (2019) that the most effective strategies to create a positive birth experience are supporting women during birth, postnatal and postpartum periods. The researcher in support of previous studies by Al-Mustapha and Sam Aguda (2020) also noted that significant predictors of uptake of provider initiated HIV/STD testing and counselling and that the women might be willing to disclose their status in an environment where support is provided by a counsellor / health worker.