Factors Contributing to Low Postnatal Coverage in Ga East Municipality

Abstract

Postnatal period is a very critical stage for both the mothers and their babies. The importance of postnatal care services has been established in various studies globally. Yet postpartum care is the most neglected aspect of women’s health care, not only in developing countries but also in some developed countries. In Ghana 23% of postpartum mothers do not receive postnatal at all. This study seeks to explore contributory factors associated with low postnatal service utilization in Ga East District of Greater Accra Region (GAR).The study design was a cross sectional explorative and qualitative research using focus group discussions. The target population for the study was women in the reproductive age and living in the Municipality. The study used five focus group discussions to determine factors contributing to low postnatal coverage in Ga East Municipality. A purposive sampling was employed to carry out to recruit the participants. The researcher moderated all discussions assisted by one trained assistants. The taped discussions were transcribed and the resulting texts analyzed by using thematic analysis. The study revealed that limited availability of public health facilities, in adequate health professionals like midwives, community health offices and doctors in Abokobi Health Center for instance, lack of knowledge about post natal care, negative staff attitude are the mainreasons for the low utilization of not only PNC services but other health services as well. . The findings of the study will be communicated to both the School of Public Health and the Ghana Health Service.