Title:
Factors influencing quality of care in maternal health care services in rural ghana.
Authors:
Dadzie, Awurabena Quayeba
Year:
2016
PAGE:
x, 71
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Maternal Healthcare, Quality of care, Kintampo, Ghana
Abstract:
Introduction: Low quality of care is a major factor contributing to Ghana’s high maternal mortality rates especially in rural areas. Majority of maternal deaths could be prevented with access to good quality antenatal (ANC), delivery and postnatal services. Objective: To explore factors influencing quality of care in maternal healthcare service delivery in Kintampo North Municipality and South District in order to inform policy and recommend appropriate interventions to improve the quality of maternal healthcare services in these two Districts in Ghana. Methods: A combination of a primary study (quantitative and qualitative methods) and literature review are used for this thesis. A cross sectional study was conducted in health facilities and communities in Kintampo North Municipality and South District from October 2014 to April 2015. An inventory was conducted in 29 health facilities. Mothers’ satisfaction was assessed among 118 mothers and 22 in-depth interviews conducted among health facility in charges /Administrators. Results: Most health facilities lacked the necessary infrastructure, materials, equipment and staff for the provision of quality maternal healthcare. Of all the health facilities only 34% of them provided delivery services and 38% of them had delivery forceps for emergency obstetric care. Only 9 health facilities had midwives. Laboratory investigations for maternal healthcare were limited. Health workers had good understanding of quality of care. Majority (94%) of mothers were satisfied with the services provided in the health facilities, however 53% of them did not have enough explanations to complications in pregnancy and labour. Findings from the literature review on relevant studies in Ghana were consistent with the results from the primary data. Conclusion: In summary, findings from the literature review and the primary study shows that most of the health facilities in Ghana lack adequate infrastructure/materials and staff especially midwives. Health workers had good understanding of quality of care however were unable to provide quality of care due to health resource constraints. Although majority of mothers were satisfied with the overall services they lacked adequate knowledge on complications in pregnancy and labour. Recommendations: The Ghana Health Service and District Health Management Team should review their standards to increase the number of facilities providing maternal healthcare services in the districts. Health facilities should be adequately equipped with necessary equipment and infrastructure for the provision of quality maternal healthcare.
Note:
A case study in kintampo north municipality and south district.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Health
Country:
Ghana, Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2016 Dadzie
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
Cz3KhALvmf_20170427114040309.pdf