Preferences of Women for Maternal Healthcare Services in the Upper East Region: A Stated Choice Experiment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, P. O. Box 24, Navrongo, Ghana
2 Department of Biometry, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, P. O. Box 24, Navrongo, Ghana
3 Department of Mathematics, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, P. O. Box 24, Navrongo, Ghana
Abstract
This research examined preferences of women for maternal health service facilities in Ghana's Upper East Region. Analyzing data from 200 respondents with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds, the research emphasized key factors such as availability of drugs and equipment, the facility environment, provider attitudes, distance to health facilities, and referrals at healthcare facilities. By using a panel mixed logit model, the study demonstrated the significant impact of these attributes on women's choices, except for the cost of delivery services, which did not exhibit significance. Sociodemographic variables like age, employment status, marital status, religion, education, and place of last delivery also impacted preferences. The availability of drugs and equipment emerged as the most influential attribute across different groups. The study highlights the importance of understanding women's preferences and providing high-quality, patient-centered care to promote positive maternal health outcomes in the region. Policymakers should thus consider these factors to enhance healthcare facility utilization, reduce maternal mortality rates, and improve maternal health outcomes.
Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 22, Issue 2
December 2023
Pages 147-161

  • Receive Date 10 August 2023
  • Revise Date 26 November 2023
  • Accept Date 19 February 2024