Factors influencing the utilization of skilled delivery services in the Juaboso District of Western North Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern, especially in low-resource settings. Skilled delivery services as part of maternal health care services are essential in reducing maternal mortality, but their utilization remains suboptimal. Utilization of skilled delivery services, therefore, remains a cornerstone to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 by 2030. Since the year 2020, the Juaboso District in Ghana has consistently seen a decline in skilled delivery services. This research aimed to identify the factors that affect the use of skilled delivery services in the Juaboso District, located in the Western North Region of Ghana. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design, comprising a sample of 402 mothers who have delivered not more than 2 years prior to the study. A standardized questionnaire facilitated the collection of information from research participants. We inputted the structured questionnaire data from the participants into EpiData version 4.0 and then exported it to SPSS 29.0 and Smart PLS 4.0. We conducted a structural equation modelling study to evaluate the suitability of the proposed model. The research primarily concentrated on 2 steps, namely 1) evaluations of the measurement model and 2) analysis of the proposed models. Results: The study found that mothers’ knowledge about skilled delivery positively impacts skilled delivery utilization in the study area, while the attitude of healthcare personnel also positively impacts this utilization. The findings further confirmed that the level of satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between perception and utilization of health services. Conclusion: Mothers’ perception and knowledge, as well as the positive attitude of healthcare workers, have a positive influence on the use of skilled delivery services. Programmes promoting professional growth and women’s knowledge can encourage proper delivery services. Further research should explore the positive link between attitude and skilled delivery services.