Title:
Factors Influencing Utilization of Skilled Delivery Services in the Northern Region of Ghana
Authors:
Kavi, Esenam Comfort
Year:
2013
PAGE:
xii, 53
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Skilled Birth Attendance, Model of Health Service Utilization, Factors, Skilled Delivery Services, Northern Region, Ghana
Abstract:
Background: Skilled birth attendance is crucial for reducing maternal mortality and morbidity as well as neonatal mortality yet majority of deliveries in the Northern region are attended by unskilled personnel. Objective: To analyze the factors influencing the utilization of skilled delivery services in the Northern region of Ghana in order to make appropriate recommendations to improve utilization. Methods: The study was conducted by reviewing and analyzing available literature on the subject using Andersen’s Behavioural Model of Health Service Utilization as a guide. Findings: High education, formal employment and high income were found to be positively associated with utilization of skilled delivery services. High parity, gender inequalities and some cultural beliefs and practices were found to be negatively related to utilization of skilled delivery services. Mixed results were found for age. Perceptions about need and quality of care were found to be predictive of use of skilled delivery services. At the health system level, geographical inaccessibility, indirect cost of services, unavailability of resources - shortage of midwifery workforce, inequitable distribution of facilities, lack of equipment, unavailability of water and electricity negatively influence utilization of skilled delivery services. The Free Maternal Health Care Policy has improved access to services yet has been less effective in dealing with the weaknesses in the health system. Interventions from - Nepal, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh demonstrate that combining strategies to influence both demand-side and supply-side results in significant impact. Conclusion: Inadequate access to skilled birth attendance remains a challenge to utilization in the Northern region of Ghana.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Country:
Ghana
Region:
Western Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2013 Kavi
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
Q2a7SFjzOg_20161025123411682.pdf