Introduction
In the quest for reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal health outcomes, Ghana introduced several health policies including free maternal healthcare and focused antenatal care (ANC). Yet, uptake remains suboptimal, especially in the Kwabre East Municipality. This qualitative study offers insights into how physical access and social factors continue to shape ANC utilization in this region.
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Understanding the Ground Realities of ANC Access
This study, led by Akowuah Jones Asafo and Kwarteng Bernard Owusu, employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with reproductive-age women (15–49 years) in Kwabre East. The objective: to explore their perceptions and experiences regarding ANC use despite government interventions.
Study Methodology:
- Design: Qualitative case study
- Setting: Public health facilities across four towns (Mamponteng, Asonomaso, Antoa, Sakra Wonoo)
- Participants: Pregnant and recently delivered women
- Tools: Focus groups + interviews with municipal health personnel
Key takeaway: Even with free maternal care, geographic and systemic barriers remain powerful obstacles to effective ANC access.
What’s Stopping Women from Attending ANC
Geographic and Transportation Barriers
- Poor road networks and long distances prevent regular ANC visits.
- Transport costs and lack of public transportation contribute to irregular usage.
Time and Facility Related Issues
- Long waiting times (20–60 minutes) deter working women from attending ANC.
- Limited healthcare staff (Doctor:Patient ratio of 1:79,752 in 2014) leads to service delays.
Quality of Interaction
- Mixed experiences with caregivers: some women reported warmth and compassion, while others faced indifference or rudeness.
Social Context and Decision Making
- Decisions influenced heavily by spouses or religious beliefs.
- Locality of residence plays a role in facility choice and frequency of visits.
Maternal Health Access in Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes equitable access to maternal services as a global priority. Yet, in Ghana and similar settings, the “distance decay effect” where utilization drops as physical distance increases remains a consistent challenge.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) underscores the importance of eliminating barriers to prenatal care, especially in underserved areas. Addressing both geographical and systemic barriers is vital for realizing WHO’s recommendations on minimum ANC visits.
Further Reading and Resources
To explore the full study and its findings in detail, read the published article at:
https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.cjog.1001023
A detailed analysis on regional ANC strategies is also available in our maternal health research section.
For more insights on evidence-based approaches to women’s healthcare, visit the Obstetrics & Gynecology homepage.
Call-to-Action
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Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.
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