Exploring Traditional Birth Attendants’ Practices Toward Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B in the Prampram, Sub-District, Accra Ghana

Abstract

Hepatitis B Viral infection (HBV) is a liver infection that remains a global burden, particularly in Africa. Known to be transmitted during child birth from mother to child, understanding maternity care practices of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) is crucial. However, in Ghana, TBAs’ prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) practices for HBV infection-related problems have received little attention. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour’s model, this study explored TBAs’ PMTCT practices towards HBV infection in the Prampram Sub-district of Ghana, a district known to patronize TBAs’ services. The study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Eighteen TBAs were purposively sampled from the Prampram sub district through a snow-balling approach. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive content analysis. The results showed that TBAs’ attitudes towards PMTCT included referring pregnant women and new-borns to the hospital for HBV testing, insisting on vaccination of mothers and babies, and wearing protective gear such as gloves and polythene rubbers during and after delivery. Additionally, their practices were influenced by a number of internal and external factors such as knowledge on Hepatitis B, training, resources, acceptance and monitoring. The study therefore recommends that TBAs in Ghana receive PMTCT training on Hepatitis B. It further recommends more research into the practice needs of TBAs in order to identify key areas to tackle for improvement.