Influence of Socio-cultural and Physical Factors on Use of Skilled Birth Attendants by Pregnant Women at Central Region

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of socio-cultural and physical factors on the use of SBAs in the Central Region of Ghana. Among socio-cultural and physical factors which may influence use of SBAs with current pregnancy were money for transport and health care (65%), distance (58%), knowledge about signs of labor (51%), and need for closer attention from relatives (51%). The differences from the two logistic regression model analysis that were done were statistically significant (𝜒2=7.06, p=0.0079). The odds of SBA utilization for mothers who needed closer attention from relatives were 1.6 times higher (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.05-2.34, p-value=0.027) than mothers who did not need closer attention. It was recommended that health service providers should ensure client and family-centered care is provided to make the health facilities user-friendly.