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

Christiana Asiedu

doi:10.13189/ujph.2019.070603

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.

Highlights

Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) is an accredited health professional who has been educated and trained to proficiency in the skills needed to manage normal pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complications in women and new-borns [1]
Women who travel less than 60 minutes to access health facility are 1.5 times more likely to use skilled birth attendants (SBAs) (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1- 2.0) than women who travel more than 60 minutes [6]
The items on the questionnaire were money for transport and health care, cultural, religious beliefs and custom, decision making power, health facility in the community, distance, road networks, husband/partner/family members influence, knowledge about signs of labour, need for closer attention from relatives, comfortable when delivered at home and community and family support

Summary

Introduction

Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) is an accredited health professional (midwife, doctor or nurse) who has been educated and trained to proficiency in the skills needed to manage normal (uncomplicated) pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complications in women and new-borns [1]. Cultural factors and accessibility to health care are key determinants for pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to use maternal health services [1]. The dominant aspect of culture, which is expected by pregnant women at health facilities, is respectful communication during labour and birth [3, 4]. Women who travel less than 60 minutes to access health facility are 1.5 times more likely to use skilled birth attendants (SBAs) (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1- 2.0) than women who travel more than 60 minutes [6]. Women who live more than 5 kilometers away from a health facility are four times less likely to deliver at a health facility compared with those living within a 5 kilometer range to a health facility [7, 8]

Objectives

Methods

Results