Factors contributing to neonatal mortality reduction in three regions in Ghana: a mixed-methods study using the Lives Saved (LiST) modelling tool

Abstract

BackgroundGhana had significant reductions in neonatal mortality during the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) era. Few studies have attempted to identify the interventions, programs and policies that contributed to this progress. To understand the underlying factors which contributed to the reduction in neonatal mortality and to inform strategies to reach the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to end preventable neonatal deaths, we conducted a mixed-methods study in the Northern, Upper West, and Volta Regions of Ghana. MethodsThe quantitative component consisted of an analysis of trends in coverage of key neonatal health interventions using subnational data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) was used to assess the contribution of various neonatal health interventions which resulted in reductions in neonatal mortality. Qualitative in-depth interviews (N=38) were conducted with government health officials, health workers, staff from non-government organizations, and community leaders, including traditional birth attendants and local chiefs from the Northern Region of Ghana. ConclusionsThe strategies that supported the reductions span from national-level policy intervention to facility-based quality improvement, to community level engagement. These strategies ES and KS are equal contribution first authors. a Sacks E, Sakyi K, Owusu PG, et al. Factors contributing to neonatal mortality reduction in three regions in Ghana: a mixed-methods study using the Lives Saved (LiST) modelling tool.

Skilled maternal healthcare and good essential newborn care practice in rural Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study

“…2,[7][8][9] Hence, to reduce neonatal mortality, strategies must be developed to ensure safe delivery and improve essential newborn care (ENC) practices. 10 Every newborn baby needs ENC regardless of where it is born or its size. ENC should be applied immediately after the baby is born and continued for at least the first 7 days after birth.…”

“…In developing countries like Bangladesh, bulk of neonatal deaths occurs due to imperfect manner of newborn care practice, intra‐partum, and conditions of labor 2,7–9 . Hence, to reduce neonatal mortality, strategies must be developed to ensure safe delivery and improve essential newborn care (ENC) practices 10 …”

Sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates in North Dayi District, Ghana

“…This implies that without intensive efforts, Ghana is unable to attain Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of reducing under five and NMRs to 25 and 12 per 1,000 live births, respectively ( 26 ). Per the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, from 1993 to 2014, the NMR in Ghana declined by 44%, while the northern region reported a 67% reduction, 25% in the Volta Region and 10% in the Upper West Region ( 27 ). Presently, data are scarce on neonatal mortality due to infection in Ghana and particularly in the Volta region, and reducing NMR to acceptable levels is difficult without good maternal knowledge and practice regarding infection prevention.…”

Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers in Delivering High-Quality Care to Neonates in Ghana and West Africa

“…In recent years, there has been an increased focus on improving the quality of healthcare services provided to neonates in Ghana and West Africa. 140 This section of the research paper aims to comprehensively analyze relevant selected studies to explore evidence-based guidelines and protocols that can be tailored to the local context of Ghana and benchmark with international best practices in neonatal care.…”

“…[197][198][199][200][201][202] Many healthcare facilities in Ghana lack essential medical equipment, such as incubators and ventilators, which are crucial for providing specialized care to sick or premature infants. [203][204][205][206][207] Additionally, there is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, particularly neonatologists and pediatricians, who possess the necessary expertise to manage complex neonatal conditions. This scarcity of skilled personnel further hampers the provision of quality care to neonates.…”