Situational Analysis on the Impact of Perinatal Deaths Among Bereaved Families in Ghana
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OMEGA
Abstract
Background: Annually, about 5.9 million perinatal deaths occur worldwide, leaving
millions bereaved due to stillbirths or early neonatal deaths. The highest burden of
stillbirths (97%) and newborn deaths (98%) occurs in lower- and middle-income
countries, with the majority occurring in Sub-Saharan African countries.
Method: This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted to identify existing
policies and protocols to support bereaved families, explore the needs of bereaved
families, and to also assess the impact of perinatal death on families in Ghana. All in depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed themati cally. The results were presented in narratives and supported with illustrative quotes
from respondents.
Results: In all, 42 in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 (23.8%) from the
Northern belt (Upper East), 11 (26.2%) from the middle belt (Ashanti) and 21 (50.0%) from the Southern belt (Greater Accra). The study revealed that practicing health
professionals and other stakeholders within the health service delivery chain were not
aware of protocols, written guidelines or written documents to initiate counseling at
the facility in the event of a mother losing a child. Most of the respondents did not know
what to do in the event that a mother loses a baby during delivery or immediately after.
Respondents were in favor of having a policy or guidelines which will help them to
counsel families who go through perinatal bereavement. Respondents were of the view
that it is important for families who experience perinatal grief to be supported.
Conclusion: All staff who meet the pregnant mother during her pre-and-post-delivery
stages should be trained on the use of guidelines or policies. There is the need to have a
policy, train and equip health staff to ensure that families experiencing perinatal grief are
provided with effective counseling. Ghana Health Service should consider training and
recruiting professional counselors who will support the health staff in dealing with
perinatal grief
Description
Research Articles
Keywords
bereaved families, perinatal deaths, psychosocial support, counselling, bereavement, guidelines