scholarly journals Satisfaction with Maternal Healthcare Services in the Ketu South Municipality, Ghana: A Qualitative Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hubert Amu ◽  
Samuel H. Nyarko
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Unfavorable Condition

Background. Women’s satisfaction with maternal healthcare services is vital in quality healthcare delivery. However, the dearth of in-depth information on the issue is a challenge in Ghana. In this study, we explore women’s satisfaction with maternal care services at a health facility in the Ketu South Municipality, Ghana. Methods. This is a qualitative study that used a purposive sampling technique to select 15 women who attended a child welfare clinic at the facility for in-depth interviews. The interviews were tape-recorded, and the results presented in quotes in accordance with the themes that emerged. Results. The study found that respondents were generally satisfied with the quality of maternal healthcare services provided to them. However, they were dissatisfied with drug administration procedures at the facility. Respondents generally reported poor attitudes on the part of healthcare providers at the health facility. Some logistics were also reported to be in unfavorable condition. Nonetheless, respondents generally had positive perceptions about maternal care services provided to them by the healthcare facility. Conclusions. Drug administration procedures and attitude of healthcare providers toward clients as well as logistics need to be improved to enhance satisfaction with services at the health facility, particularly among pregnant women and mothers.

scholarly journals Why don’t illiterate women in rural, Northern Tanzania, access maternal healthcare?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dismas Matovelo ◽  
Pendo Ndaki ◽  
Victoria Yohani ◽  
Rose Laisser ◽  
Respicious Bakalemwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Health Messaging

Abstract Background In 2017, roughly 540 women in Sub-Saharan Africa died every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. To stem this public-health crisis, the WHO recommends a standard continuity of maternal healthcare, yet most women do not receive this care. Surveys suggest that illiteracy limits the uptake of the recommended care, yet little is understood about why this is so. This gap in understanding why healthcare is not sought by illiterate women compromises the ability of public health experts and healthcare providers to provide culturally relevant policy and practice. This study consequently explores the lived experiences related to care-seeking by illiterate women of reproductive age in rural Tanzania to determine why they may not access maternal healthcare services. Methods An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted in four communities encompassing eight focus group discussions with 81 illiterate women, 13 in-depth interviews with illiterate women and seven key-informant interviews with members of these communities who have first-hand experience with the decisions made by women concerning maternal care. Interviews were conducted in the informant’s native language. The interviews were coded, then triangulated. Results Two themes emerged from the analysis: 1) a communication gap arising from a) the women’s inability to read public-health documents provided by health facilities, and b) healthcare providers speaking a language, Swahili, that these women do not understand, and 2) a dependency by these women on family and neighbors to negotiate these barriers. Notably, these women understood of the potential benefits of maternal healthcare. Conclusions These women knew they should receive maternal healthcare but could neither read the public-health messaging provided by the clinics nor understand the language of the healthcare providers. More health needs of this group could be met by developing a protocol for healthcare providers to determine who is illiterate, providing translation services for those unable to speak Swahili, and graphic public health messaging that does not require literacy. A failure to address the needs of this at-risk group will likely mean that they will continue to experience barriers to obtaining maternal care with detrimental health outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

scholarly journals Expectations and experiences of women regarding maternal healthcare services in Pakistan: challenges and lessons to be learnt

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeeha Malik ◽  
Katherine Prescott ◽  
Maliha Khalid ◽  
Ayisha Hashmi ◽  
Ayyaz Kiani
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Saturation Point ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Care Services

Abstract Background Access to maternal healthcare services is an essential pre-requisite for improving women’s health. However, due to poor access and underutilization, women in developing countries remain vulnerable to various complications. Evaluation of quality maternal healthcare services in any country must include the opinions of the women being as a key stakeholder utilizing maternal healthcare services. Aim The present study was designed to evaluate the experiences, perceptions and expectations of pre-birth and post-birth women regarding utilization and delivery of maternal healthcare services in Pakistan. Methodology A qualitative study design was used. Snow ball sampling technique was adopted to identify the respondents. Interviews were conducted using semi-structures interview guide till saturation point was achieved. The sample size at saturation point for different respondents was: pre-birth women (n = 9) and post-birth women (n = 9). All interviews were recorded after getting permission from the respondents. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and were then subjected to thematic analysis. Results The age group for the pre-birth respondents was 23–43 years while for post-birth group it was 23–32 years. Most of the respondents from both groups were from urban setting. Most of them were either first time pregnant or were having experience of one pregnancy. Thematic analysis of the interviews yielded different themes and sub-themes including birth experience, maternal treatment pathway, identified barriers for quality maternal care, involvement in healthcare decision-making, impact of Covid 19, payment dynamics, role of digital health and recommendations for improving maternal care services. Conclusion The results of the present study concluded that the overall quality of the maternal care services provided in Pakistan was not up to the mark. High rate of caesarian section was prevalent. Majority of the women were not involved in the decision-making process or provided with any birth plan or counselling regarding birth signs, family planning, danger and birth signs. The cost of maternal care was quite high and not affordable for all.

scholarly journals Maternal healthcare services use in Mwanza Region, Tanzania: A cross-sectional baseline survey

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Orwa ◽  
Michaela Mantel ◽  
Micheal Mugerwa ◽  
Sharon Brownie ◽  
Eunice Siaity Pallangyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Facility Delivery ◽  
Postpartum Care ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Health Facility Delivery ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Improving maternal health by reducing maternal mortality/morbidity relates to Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this goal is supported by antenatal care (ANC), health facility delivery, and postpartum care. This study aimed to understand levels of use and correlates of uptake of maternal healthcare services among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling household survey was conducted to obtain data from 1476 households in six districts of Mwanza Region. Data for the 409 women who delivered in the 2 years before the survey were analyzed for three outcomes: four or more ANC visits (ANC4+), health facility delivery, and postpartum visits. Factors associated with the three outcomes were determined using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering at the district level while adjusting for all variables. Results: Of the 409 eligible women, 58.2% attended ANC4+, 76.8% delivered in a health facility, and 43.5% attended a postpartum clinic. Women from peri-urban, island, and rural regions were less likely to have completed ANC4+ or health facility delivery compared with urban women. Education and early first antenatal visit were associated with ANC4+ and health facility delivery. Mothers from peri-urban areas and those who with health facility delivery were more likely to attend postpartum check-ups. Conclusion: Use of ANC services in early pregnancy influences the number of ANC visits, leading to higher uptake of ANC4+ and health facility delivery. Postpartum check-ups for mothers and newborns are associated with health facility delivery. Encouraging early initiation of ANC visits may increase the uptake of maternal healthcare services. Keywords: Antenatal care, health facility delivery, postpartum care, Mwanza, Tanzania

Adopting and Implementing Telehealth in Canada

2011 ◽  
pp. 1222-1231
Author(s):  
Penny A. Jennett ◽  
Eldon R. Smith ◽  
Mamoru Watanabe ◽  
Sharlene Stayberg
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Statistics Canada ◽  
Government Of Canada

Canada spans 9,976,140 square kilometers and has an approximate population of 32 million people (Statistics Canada, 2001). More than 90% of Canada’s geography is considered rural or remote (Government of Canada, 2001). Despite the highly dispersed population, and, indeed, because of it, Canada is committed to the idea that a networked telehealth system could provide better access and equity of care to Canadians. Growing evidence of the feasibility and affordability of telehealth applications substantiates Canada’s responsibility to promote and to develop telehealth. Telehealth is the use of advanced telecommunication technologies to exchange health information and provide healthcare services across geographic, time, social, and cultural barriers (Reid, 1996). According to a systematic review of telehealth projects in different countries (Jennett et al., 2003a, 2003b), specific telehealth applications have shown significant socioeconomic benefits to patients and families, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system. Implementing telehealth can impact the delivery of health services by increasing access, improving quality of care, and enhancing social support (Bashshur, Reardon, & Shannon, 2001; Jennett et al., 2003a). It also has the potential to impact skills training of the health workforce by increasing educational opportunities (Jennett et al., 2003a; Watanabe, Jennett, & Watson, 1999). Therefore, telehealth has a strong potential to influence improved health outcomes in the population (Jennett et al., 2003a, 2003b). Fourteen health jurisdictions—one federal, 10 provincial, and three territorial—are responsible for the policies and infrastructure associated with healthcare delivery in Canada. This article presents a telehealth case study in one of Canada’s health jurisdictions—the province of Alberta. The rollout of telehealth in Alberta serves as an example of best practice. Significant milestones and lessons learned are presented. Progress toward the integration of the telehealth network into a wider province-wide health information network also is highlighted.

scholarly journals Maternal healthcare services use in Mwanza Region, Tanzania: a cross-sectional baseline survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Orwa ◽  
Michaela Mantel ◽  
Micheal Mugerwa ◽  
Sharon Brownie ◽  
Eunice Siaity Pallangyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Facility Delivery ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Health Facility Delivery ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Improving maternal health by reducing maternal mortality/morbidity relates to Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this goal is supported by antenatal care (ANC), health facility delivery, and postpartum care. This study aimed to understand levels of use and correlates of uptake of maternal healthcare services among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling household survey was conducted to obtain data from 1476 households in six districts of Mwanza Region. Data for the 409 women who delivered in the 2 years before the survey were analyzed for three outcomes: four or more ANC visits (ANC4+), health facility delivery, and postpartum visits. Factors associated with the three outcomes were determined using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering at the district level while adjusting for all variables. Results Of the 409 eligible women, 58.2% attended ANC4+, 76.8% delivered in a health facility, and 43.5% attended a postpartum clinic. Women from peri-urban, island, and rural regions were less likely to have completed ANC4+ or health facility delivery compared with urban women. Education and early first antenatal visit were associated with ANC4+ and health facility delivery. Mothers from peri-urban areas and those who with health facility delivery were more likely to attend postpartum check-ups. Conclusion Use of ANC services in early pregnancy influences the number of ANC visits, leading to higher uptake of ANC4+ and health facility delivery. Postpartum check-ups for mothers and newborns are associated with health facility delivery. Encouraging early initiation of ANC visits may increase the uptake of maternal healthcare services.

scholarly journals Determinants of the Continuum of Maternal Healthcare Services in Northwest Ethiopia: Findings from the Primary Health Care Project

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Asmamaw Atnafu ◽  
Adane Kebede ◽  
Bisrat Misganaw ◽  
Destaw Fetene Teshome ◽  
Gashaw Andargie Biks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Continuum

Background. The maternity continuum of care is the continuity of maternal healthcare services that a woman uses, which includes antenatal care (ANC 4+), skill birth attendant (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC) within 48 hours of delivery. It is one of the essential strategies for reducing maternal and newborn mortality. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with the completion of a continuum of maternal healthcare services among mothers who gave birth in the past five years. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to June 29, 2019, among 565 randomly selected mothers who gave birth in five years before the study in primary healthcare project implementation districts of north Gondar zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed, and in the multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p value of less than 0.05 were used to identify the associated factors with completion of the continuum of maternal healthcare services. Results. The study revealed that the overall completion of the continuum of maternal healthcare services was 21.60% (95% CI: 18.20, 24.90). Women who were able to read and write (AOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.22, 6.04), using car/motorcycle as a means of transportation to get the health facility (AOR: 5.59, 95% CI: 2.29, 9.50), travel time less than an hour to get the health facility (AOR: 4.98, 95% CI: 2.97, 8.38), being satisfied with the service delivery (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.11), and getting health education on maternal healthcare services in the last 6 months (AOR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.05) were factors associated with the completion of the continuum of maternal healthcare services. Conclusions. The completion of the continuum of maternal healthcare services was relatively low, indicating that women were not getting the likely health benefit from the present health services. Therefore, interventions should focus on increasing women’s awareness, improving the availability of services at nearby health facilities, and improving service delivery by considering women’s preferences and needs to increase their satisfaction are essential to increase the completion of maternal healthcare services.

scholarly journals Improving Access and Utilization of Maternal Healthcare Services through Focused Antenatal Care in Rural Ghana: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Haruna ◽  
Gordon Dandeebo ◽  
Sylvester Z. Galaa
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Focused Antenatal Care

Improved access to and utilization of various maternal healthcare services have been seen as the panacea to poor maternal and child health outcomes characterizing many developing countries. Focused Antenatal Care (FANC) replaced the regular antenatal care model about a decade and a half ago. This study sought to document empirical outcomes of how the FANC approach translates access and utilization of maternal health services into positive maternal health outcomes. We utilized a descriptive qualitative design and analysis. We applied key informant interviewing to collect data from 206 respondents consisting of 140 women in their fertility age and 66 health workers across 14 communities in the study district. We found that FANC has been widely implemented across the district with most of the required services integrated into the existing healthcare delivery system. Overall, there has been successful implementation of FANC in the district, resulting in several benefits including the increased utilization of maternal healthcare services, acceptance of family planning, increased skilled delivery, and utilization of postnatal care (PNC) services. This notwithstanding, a number of issues need to be addressed to improve FANC services. These include provision of adequate infrastructure, essential supplies, communication and transportation systems, and manpower and adoption of positive sociocultural practices. No effort should be spared in providing these to sustain the successes and ensure sustainability of FANC.

scholarly journals Examining Stakeholder’s Views On Refugee Healthcare Needs, Current Barriers in Accessing Healthcare Services and Future Healthcare Direction in New Zealand: A Qualitative Phenomenological Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bafreen Sherif ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
Nadir Kheir
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Needs

Abstract Background The annual New Zealand refugee quota was increased to 1500 places from 2020 onwards as a response to the global refugee crisis. The specific healthcare needs of refugees are not clearly understood globally and communication between healthcare providers and refugees remains poor. Methods A phenomenological qualitative methodology was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews among purposively selected stakeholders who work in refugee organisations and relevant bodies in New Zealand. Results The participants indicated the need for a national framework of inclusion, mandating cultural competency training for frontline healthcare and non-healthcare personnel, creation of a national interpretation phone line, and establishing health navigators. Barriers to accessing health services identified included some social determinants of health such as housing and community environment; health-seeking behaviour and health literacy; and social support networks. Future healthcare delivery should focus on capacity building of existing services, including co-design processes, increased funding for refugee-specific health services, and whole government approach. Conclusion Policymakers and refugee organisations and their frontline personnel should seek to address the deficiencies identified in order to provide equitable, timely and cost-effective healthcare services for refugees in New Zealand.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on maternal healthcare in Africa and the way forward

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽  
Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽  
Carolyne Njue
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Family Planning Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The impact of COVID-19 is weighing heavily on many African countries. As of November 14th 2021, 6,109,722 cases had been recorded with 151,173 deaths and 2.5% case fatality rate. Studies reveal substantial morbidity and socioeconomic impacts when accessing quality maternal healthcare including fear of infection and the containment measures in place, including social distancing and community containment. The pandemic has put additional strain on healthcare systems that are overburdened and under-resourced even in normal times and has exposed the vulnerabilities of high-risk population groups in addressing critical healthcare concerns. This study presents a mini review of how COVID-19 has disrupted maternal healthcare in Africa, and it further proposes ways to improve the situation. Main body COVID-19 has disrupted antenatal, skilled birth, and postnatal family planning services. Women and girls are vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19 on several fronts and represent a group whose needs including antenatal, skilled birth, and postnatal family planning services have been disrupted, leading to unmet needs for contraception and an increase in unintended pregnancies. Restricted travel due to the fear and anxiety associated with contracting COVID-19 has resulted in delays in accessing prompt skilled care and essential healthcare services such as pregnancy care, immunisation, and nutritional supplementation. Misconceptions relating to COVID-19 have prompted concerns and created distrust in the safety of the healthcare system. Innovative measures are required to address these obstacles and ensure women are not denied access to available, accessible, acceptable, and quality maternal healthcare services in spite of COVID-19. Conclusions In the immediate term while physical distancing measures remain in force, deliberate effort must be made to provide evidence-based guidelines, good practice and expert advice that addresses the unique sexual and reproductive health context of African countries. Efforts to train and motivate healthcare providers to adopt online, remote approaches such as use of telemedicine, and expand the involvement of frontline maternal healthcare providers to deliver information on the availability of services through phone-based referral networks, culturally appropriate social media, community radio and folklore messaging strategies are critical to mobilise and secure community confidence in the safety of sexual and reproductive health and maternal care services.

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