Factors Influencing the Choice of Delivery Places by Pregnant Women in Selected Health Facilities in the Sagnarigu Municipality
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Motherhood is frequently a gratifying and pleasurable experience; nonetheless, it is associated with sorrow, poor health, and even mortality for several women. Cultural traditions persistently influence pregnancy and childbirth in Ghana, shaping the preferences of expectant women about birthing venues. Insufficient health knowledge and skills of professionals in managing obstetric patients may impede delivery in healthcare settings. Aim: The primary aim of the study was to investigate the factors that affect pregnant women's decisions about delivery locations in specific healthcare facilities. Methods: Purposive and convenience sampling approaches were employed to get a sample of 100 pregnant women. The primary research instrument was the questionnaire. The acquired data was processed with the SPSS software, evaluated, and presented through descriptive statistics to derive frequencies and percentages. Results: The study indicated that the distance to health centres, the availability of traditional birth attendants, and the inadequate quality of highways linking communities to health facilities are geographical factors that influenced women's selection of delivery places. Pregnant women are typically content with the services provided by healthcare establishments. Although respondents indicated a preference for health centres as their delivery place, prevailing societal and cultural attitudes around pregnancy and childbirth, together with economic and geographic factors, continue to compel individuals to give birth at home and in spiritual centres. Conclusion: The selection of birth location among pregnant women in Ghana is influenced by a confluence of economical, cultural, logistical, and healthcare-related issues. Community-based educational initiatives must highlight the advantages of expert delivery and rectify misconceptions regarding facility-based care. Augmenting and outfitting healthcare institutions, especially in remote regions, will improve accessibility and the quality of services.
Institutions: Tamale Teaching Hospital, University for Development Studies
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4409790271