DETERMINANTS OF OBSTETRIC CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOR AND FACILITY DELIVERY AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN NORTHERN GHANA.

Abstract

Access to obstetric care is key to reducing maternal mortality the world over. This study sought to explore determinants of obstetric care seeking behavior and facility delivery among expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select pregnant women for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their socio-demographic characteristics knowledge regarding the risks associated with pregnancy as well as delivery and birth plan arrangements. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. χ2 test was used to determine associations between respective variables. Variables that displayed significant associations were entered into a multiple logistic regression model to ascertain the strength of association (Odds Ratios) between respective variables. At 95% confidence interval, p-values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Age (p<0.05), religion (p<0.05), educational status (p<0.001), level of knowledge on obstetric risks (p<0.001), number of ANC visits (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.05), income level of participants (p<0.01) and cost of services (p<0.001) determined birth preparedness and their choice of facility delivery. However, the attitude of health workers (p>0.05) and birthing tradition of the respondents (p>0.05) were not associated with birth preparedness and choice of place of delivery. Strategies to enhance access to obstetric care and facility delivery must focus on the aforementioned determinants.