Longitudinal continuity of care during antenatal and delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana. Issue 2 (28th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dery, Samuel K.K.; Aikins, Moses; Maya, Ernest T.
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 151:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2020-08-28
• Subjects: Antenatal care -- Claims data -- Continuity of care -- Ghana -- Health insurance -- Pregnancy -- Volta Region; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13301
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine the extent of longitudinal continuity of care (CoC) during pregnancy and delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: Longitudinal data were used from the National Health Insurance Claims Dataset for the period January to December 2013 for pregnant women who sought antenatal and delivery care in the region. Pregnant women who delivered at a health facility with at least three visits were included in the study. Five CoC indices were calculated for each pregnant woman. Results: Of the 14 474 pregnant women included in the study, 58.4% had perfect CoC. Mean CoC indices were: most frequent provider continuity (MFPC) 0.82 ± 0.25; modified, modified continuity index (MMCI) 0.86 ± 0.20; continuity of care index (COCI) 0.76 ± 0.30; sequential continuity index (SECON) 0.80 ± 0.28; and place of delivery continuity (PDC) 0.68 ± 0.41. Conclusion: There are relatively medium to high levels of CoC indices during pregnancy and delivery, with place of delivery CoC having the lowest score, an indication that more pregnant women switched providers during delivery. There is a need for policy to ensure CoC during pregnancy. Abstract : The score for place of delivery continuity of care is low, which is an indication that more pregnant women switched care providers during delivery.