Longitudinal continuity of care during antenatal and delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Abstract

To determine the extent of longitudinal continuity of care (CoC) during pregnancy and delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana. Longitudinal data were used from the National Health Insurance Claims Dataset for the period January to December 2013 for pregnant women who sought antenatal and delivery care in the region. Pregnant women who delivered at a health facility with at least three visits were included in the study. Five CoC indices were calculated for each pregnant woman. Of the 14474 pregnant women included in the study, 58.4% had perfect CoC. Mean CoC indices were: most frequent provider continuity (MFPC) 0.82±0.25; modified, modified continuity index (MMCI) 0.86±0.20; continuity of care index (COCI) 0.76±0.30; sequential continuity index (SECON) 0.80±0.28; and place of delivery continuity (PDC) 0.68±0.41. There are relatively medium to high levels of CoC indices during pregnancy and delivery, with place of delivery CoC having the lowest score, an indication that more pregnant women switched providers during delivery. There is a need for policy to ensure CoC during pregnancy.