The Determinants of Places of Delivery by Women in the Savelugu/Nanton Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Despite improvement in health care services in Ghana, many women still choose to deliver at home. This practice has serious implications for maternal and child health. The phenomenon is not different in Savelugu/Nanton Municipal is even seriously educated women sometimes ignore the health facilities and deliver at home. This paper examines the factors associated with the choice of places of delivery by women in the Savelugu/Nanton Municipality. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used involving women, health workers, Traditional Birth Attendants, opinions, traditional and religious leaders and some key informants. Data was collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations. The result indicates that distance to health centres, personal likes and dislikes of women and availability of TBAs in the community were among the factors influencing the choice of places of delivery. It was also revealed that bad attitudes of health workers and ineffective communication between health workers and patients are some of the factors that influence women's choice of places to deliver. The paper concludes that, despite improvement in health service delivery in Ghana, many women still deliver at home. The paper recommends effective health education by stakeholders to reverse the situation.