The Perception and Utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants’ Services by Expectant Mothers at the North Tongu District in the Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background Globally, the utilization of supervised delivery services is one of the key proven interventions that had reduced maternal deaths because of its potential to ensure safe birth, reduce both actual and potential complications and increase the survival of mothers and newborns. Despite the reduction in maternal mortality cases in sub-Saharan Africa, there are still a lot of deliveries done at home leading to both maternal morbidities and mortalities. In Ghana, the situation is worse in rural settings. This study therefore sought to examine the perception and utilization of traditional birth attendants (TBA) by expectant mothers at the North Tongu District in the Volta Region. Methods The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. Four hundred and forty-two participants were selected using a multistage sampling approach. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. STATA 17 statistical software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistic such as frequencies and percentages were used for categorical variables. Continuous variables were analyzed using mean and standard deviations. The Fisher’s exact test or Pearson Chi-square test were adopted for the bivariate analysis using an alpha level of 0.05. The relationship between the significant covariates and outcome variables were modelled using a 95% confidence interval. Results About 57% of the 442 participants had used TBA services. Having more than one gravida (aOR=0.38;95% CI=0.23-0.62) decreased the woman’s odds for TBA uptake. Also, having parity of 2 elevated a woman’s odds for TBA uptake (aOR=4.15; 95% CI=1.92-8.96), compared to having a parity of one. Participants held the perceptions that TBA services achieved desired results for clients (aOR=1.40; 95% CI=1.10-5.80), TBAs were licensed and permitted to offer their services (aOR=4.24;95% CI=2.04-8.11) and clients of TBA services were satisfied with their services (aOR=2.33; 95% CI=1.04-8.93). Conclusion The women’s uptake of TBA services were mostly influenced by their perceptions. There is therefore the need for the District Health Directorate and community support groups to mount campaigns to educate women on the benefits of supervised delivery services as opposed to TBA services.