Utilization of maternal health services in Ejisu District, Ghana.
West Afr J Med
; 14(1): 24-8, 1995.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-7626528
ABSTRACT
PIP: This operations research project on the use of maternal health care services in Ejisu district in Ghana was performed during January and February 1990. The sample was comprised of 1200 women from 80 communities (population 131,199 persons in 1984) in the district, which has 19 health facilities (a Catholic mission hospital, 8 government health centers, 5 mission clinics, and 3 private maternity homes serving a population in 160 communities). Retrospective data was collected on health service use during January 1985-December 1989. Characteristics of the sample population included 59% 20-34 years old, 11% younger than 20, and 33% with no formal education. 37.9% were farmers, 26.7% were housewives, and 25% were traders. 74% were married. 50.3% married before the age of 20. 70.9% made at least 4 visits for prenatal care before their last pregnancy. 17.3% did not receive any prenatal care. 33.3% delivered at a health center. 28% used a Government Maternity Home, 22% used a hospital, and 13% relied on traditional birth attendants at home. 29% (349 women) reported complaints during their last pregnancy. 85.5% knew at least 1 method of contraception. 5.5% were current users of modern contraception, of which the pill was the most popular (45.4% of users). Treatment for bleeding during pregnancy was reported by 16.7% of the sample to involve eating a ripe banana or a banana in combination with cassava products. External use of plantain leaves or sanitary pads was also mentioned. These treatments were considered as first aid and not definitive treatment. 90% indicated a willingness to stay in a maternity waiting home if advised to do so. 58% would be able to stay 1 month, 21% would stay 2 months, and 21% would stay 3 or more months. Effective community education and social mobilization is still needed in order to attract those not using services.
Palabras clave
Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Community Surveys--women; Contraception; Contraceptive Usage; Delivery Of Health Care; Developing Countries; English Speaking Africa; Family Planning; Ghana; Health; Health Services; Maternal Health Services; Maternal-child Health Services; Prenatal Care; Primary Health Care; Research Methodology; Sampling Studies; Studies; Surveys; Western Africa
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Servicios de Salud Materna
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Aspecto:
Implementation_research
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
/
Pregnancy
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
West Afr J Med
Año:
1995
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Ghana
Pais de publicación:
Nigeria