Improving Maternal Health Care Accessibility and Utilization in Remote and Island Communities: An Explorative Study in Ghana

<p>Background: Maternal mortality remains a global concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 223 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. In Ghana, the MMR was notably high, at 838, 776, and 875 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. These figures exceed WHO’s high mortality rate threshold, particularly affecting women in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Geographic isolation, financial constraints, and inadequate infrastructure significantly impede access to essential maternal health services, impacting the health of women and newborns in Ghana’s remote and island communities.</p> <p>Objective: This study aims to explore the factors affecting maternal health care accessibility and utilization in Ghana's remote and island communities, identifying barriers and proposing recommendations for improvement.</p> <p>Methods: An explorative approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with women of childbearing age and a review of documents from WHO, CMS, UN, PAHO, and local sources (GHS, GSS, KAPSDA). The study assessed financial, geographical, and infrastructural barriers and evaluated cultural practices impacting maternal health care.</p> <p>Results: Financial constraints, geographical barriers (e.g., long distances, seasonal flooding), inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of midwives were identified as major challenges. Cultural reliance on Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) also affected the use of institutional care. Participants highlighted dissatisfaction with current services and the need for improved provider attitudes and infrastructure.</p> <p>Recommendations: Enhancing healthcare infrastructure, strengthening health insurance, recruiting and retaining more health workforce especially midwives, improving transportation, and fostering community engagement are essential. Implementing these recommendations could significantly improve maternal health services in underserved areas.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Public Health, DPH

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Dissertation

Year dc:date.available

2024

Author dc:creator

• Adu-Fokuo, Douglas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rachaline Napier
• Jay Orr

• Accessibility
• Barriers
• Maternal Health
• Recommendations
• Remote Islands
• Utilization
• Public Health

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgu_etd/917

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarship.claremont.edu:cgu_etd-1939