Abstract:
Introduction
Skilled attendance during delivery is a key strategy for the reduction of maternal
morbidity and mortality. However, more than 40% of births in rural areas in Ghana still
occur outside of health facilities without skilled attendants, with these births supported
by family members or traditional birth attendants (TBAs)
Method
A cross sectional survey was carried out from February to March 2016 to identify the
factors that influence the uptake of skilled delivery in South Senchi and to recommend
possible ways to improve women’s uptake of skilled delivery.
A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 200 (two hundred)
women of reproductive age 15-49 who delivered within the period January 2012-
December 2015 and semi-structured questionnaires were used for the interview by
trained field staff.
Results
About 75% of respondents had used skilled delivery, indicating a high knowledge of the
importance of using skilled delivery. The significant factors that influenced the uptake of
skilled delivery were: maternal age, antenatal care attendance, knowledge of importance
of skilled delivery and possession of valid health insurance policy.
Conclusion
The study recommended information, education and communication programs to
increase awareness of importance of skilled delivery in rural areas. Also collaborative
efforts from all sectors could be made to ensure all women have access to skilled
attendance during pregnancy and delivery.
