Abstract:
Access to obstetric care is key to reducing maternal mortality the world over. This study sought to explore
determinants of obstetric care seeking behavior and facility delivery among expectant mothers attending antenatal
clinic at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select pregnant
women for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their socio-demographic characteristics
knowledge regarding the risks associated with pregnancy as well as delivery and birth plan arrangements. Data
were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. χ2 test was used to determine
associations between respective variables. Variables that displayed significant associations were entered into a
multiple logistic regression model to ascertain the strength of association (Odds Ratios) between respective
variables. At 95% confidence interval, p-values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Age (p<0.05),
religion (p<0.05), educational status (p<0.001), level of knowledge on obstetric risks (p<0.001), number of ANC
visits (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.05), income level of participants (p<0.01) and cost of services (p<0.001)
determined birth preparedness and their choice of facility delivery. However, the attitude of health workers
(p>0.05) and birthing tradition of the respondents (p>0.05) were not associated with birth preparedness and choice
of place of delivery. Strategies to enhance access to obstetric care and facility delivery must focus on the
aforementioned determinants.
