Assessing health system factors influencing healthcare providers' implementation of new guidelines on Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Urban hospitals in Ghana
Abstract
Background: Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in Ghana requires all pregnant HIV-infected women be provided with a cascade of interventions including routine antenatal HIV counseling and testing,... [ view full abstract ]
Background: Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in Ghana requires all pregnant HIV-infected women be provided with a cascade of interventions including routine antenatal HIV counseling and testing, provision of appropriate antiretroviral/treatment (ARV/ART) regimen for mothers and newborns, and support for safer infant feeding options and practices. The potential of PMTCT guidelines for eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV and improving newborn survival and health is widely acknowledged in Ghana. However, factors influencing health providers’ performance have not yet been fully explored. This study assessed health system factors affecting the provision of PMTCT services and the implications on quality service delivery.
Method: Qualitative research design was employed. Data was obtained through in-depth-interviews with 12 Key informants and 2 Focus Group Discussions with health care providers providing PMTCT services in 2 urban hospitals in Ghana. Data was analyzed using a thematic framework approach.
Results: Good knowledge and understanding of MTCT and PMTCT counseling guidelines by health providers were widespread in the health facilities. however, individual and health-systems factors such as inadequate supply of ARV drugs, inadequate education, bureaucracy, lack of refresher training, inadequate medical officers, inadequate work-space, lack of privacy, low staff numbers, inadequate work-space, poor staff relationship with client and lack of training on compassionate care for health providers were identified as some of the factors affecting PMTCT service provision.
Conclusion: Programs seeking to increase access to PMTCT services and continued use of ART need to address individual and contextual factors to make the elimination of MTCT of HIV more effective.
Key Words: Health Providers, Health System, Hospitals, Guidelines, Ghana
Authors
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Alexander Suuk Laar
(1 Kybele/Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, Ghana Health Service, Greater Accra Region.)
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Philip Ayizem Dalinjong
(2 Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana)
Topic Areas
VI. Research and action 6.1 Collaboration; interaction of researchers; stakeholders 6.2 S , VII. Urban health policies 7.1 Governance and policy frameworks 7.2 Health in all policies
Session
EFA-O-12 » Evidence for Action in Policy and Programs (08:00 - Monday, 4th April, TBA)
Paper
Abstract_for_ICUH_2016.docx
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