Factors determining maternal health care services in three selected districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract

Worldwide, it is estimated that 1600 women die every day as result of problems they encounter during pregnancy and or child birth. This thesis therefore sought to examine factors that determine the utilization of safe-motherhood services in three districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Specifically, it attempted to contribute to the policy debate to enhance public decision making in prioritizing the different components of safe motherhood programmes in resource-scarce locales. Using the survey research design, interview schedules and or questionnaires, the research solicited data from 598 respondents, comprising women in their reproductive age, married men and healthcare providers residing in the selected districts. The data was supplemented with nine (9) focus group discussions. The study revealed that the proportion of women who had the recommended four or more care visits during pregnancy in the intervention areas had increased significantly, from 18 to 80 percent. However, rural-urban disparity in terms of access to healthcare facilities accounted for the low utilization of maternal healthcare services in both rural and urban areas. It is recommended that central and local governments, non-governmental organisations and Ghana Health Service should partner with communities to empower women in their health-care decision making as this would enhance better maternal and child health outcomes. Additionally, there is the need to build the capacities of Traditional Birth Attendants and healthcare providers as a measure to address the oscillating maternal deaths in the Eastern Region.