Factors influencing choice of women’s delivery venue in predominantly rural communities across the three ecological zones in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Yeetey A. Enuameh, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Sumiyo Okawa, The University of Tokyo
Kwaku Poku Asante, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Emmanuel Mahama, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Evelyn Ansah, Ghana Health Service
Charlotte Tawiah, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Kimiyo Kikuchi, The University of Tokyo
Kwame Adjei, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Akira Shibanuma, The University of Tokyo
Keiko Nanishi, The University of Tokyo
Francis Yeji, Navrongo Health Research Centre
Enoch Oti, System Science Consultants
Junko Yasuoka, The University of Tokyo
Margaret Gyapong, Dodowa Health Research Centre
Abraham Oduro, Navrongo Health Research Centre
Gloria Quansah-Asare, Ghana Health Service
Abraham Hodgson, Ghana Health Service
Masamine Jimba, The University of Tokyo
Seth Owusu-Agyei, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)

Maternal and neonatal mortality indicators remain high in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa. Maternal and neonatal health outcomes improve when skilled personnel provide delivery services within health facilities. Factors influencing delivery location are therefore crucial and were explored in this study, as they have not been documented in rural Ghana. Data were collected from 1,500 women aged 15–49 years who delivered within the catchment area of the Dodowa, Kintampo and Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems in Ghana between July and September 2013. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. When compared to Dodowa, deliveries were 13 times more likely within health facilities in Navrongo, while Kintampo showed no significant associations. Wealthier women, those with valid health insurance and those counselled by healthcare providers on the importance of health facility deliveries were more likely to deliver within health facilities.