Factors Influencing the Choice of Delivery Places by Pregnant Women in Selected Health Facilities in the Sagnarigu Municipality
Samuel Kwame Amoako Asirifi
*
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Ghana College of Surgeon, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
David Zawumya Kolbilla
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Ghana College of Surgeon, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
Keren-Happuch Twumasiwaa Boateng
Midwifery and Women’s Health Department, University for Development Studies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana and Midwifery and Paediatrics Division, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana.
Nurokina Prince
Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Konlan Emmanuel Dammigu
Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Konlaan Jones Yumann
Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Motherhood is frequently a gratifying and pleasurable experience; nonetheless, it is associated with sorrow, poor health, and even mortality for several women. Cultural traditions persistently influence pregnancy and childbirth in Ghana, shaping the preferences of expectant women about birthing venues. Insufficient health knowledge and skills of professionals in managing obstetric patients may impede delivery in healthcare settings.
Aim: The primary aim of the study was to investigate the factors that affect pregnant women's decisions about delivery locations in specific healthcare facilities.
Methods: Purposive and convenience sampling approaches were employed to get a sample of 100 pregnant women. The primary research instrument was the questionnaire. The acquired data was processed with the SPSS software, evaluated, and presented through descriptive statistics to derive frequencies and percentages.
Results: The study indicated that the distance to health centres, the availability of traditional birth attendants, and the inadequate quality of highways linking communities to health facilities are geographical factors that influenced women's selection of delivery places. Pregnant women are typically content with the services provided by healthcare establishments. Although respondents indicated a preference for health centres as their delivery place, prevailing societal and cultural attitudes around pregnancy and childbirth, together with economic and geographic factors, continue to compel individuals to give birth at home and in spiritual centres.
Conclusion: The selection of birth location among pregnant women in Ghana is influenced by a confluence of economical, cultural, logistical, and healthcare-related issues. Community-based educational initiatives must highlight the advantages of expert delivery and rectify misconceptions regarding facility-based care. Augmenting and outfitting healthcare institutions, especially in remote regions, will improve accessibility and the quality of services.
Keywords: Pregnancy, health facility, delivery, location, childbirth