Comparison of maternal health literacy between rural and urban women in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem district of Ghana

Abstract

Maternal health literacy has been identified as key predictor of maternal healthcare service utilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in maternal health literacy between women residing in rural and urban areas of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem district. The study employed a cross-section correlational design. Respondents included 448 women of childbearing ages residing in rural and urban areas selected through compact segment sampling. Information on respondents’ maternal health literacy and health behaviour was collected using a composite data collection instrument. Chi square test, the independent samples t-test, and correlation coefficient were used to analyse data. Respondents resident in rural areas used community-based sources of maternal health information significantly more than did those resident in urban areas, X2 (4, n=399) = 51.5, p=.000. Residence in rural area was significantly associated to infrequent exposure to information. Respondents from rural areas exhibited significantly lower levels of maternal health literacy than did those from urban areas, X2 (4, N=448) = 95.21, p =.000. Higher levels of maternal health literacy were positively related to number of routine visits to antenatal clinic, r = .65, n=392, p = .000 (one tailed); and to delivery at hospital, ñ = .69, n = 448, p = .000, (one tailed). Maternal health literacy among respondents resident in rural areas was lower than that among women resident in urban areas. Educational programmes emphasizing development of knowledge, attitudes, behavioural skills, and confidence needed to access maternal healthcare services should be implemented.