Ghana
Midwives’ Knowledge of Postpartum Care and Complications
Midwives, the primary maternity care providers in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, are instrumental in improving maternal/newborn health outcomes. The postpartum period (after birth) is a high-risk timeframe for maternal deaths, and complications after delivery are the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. Midwives’ knowledge of postpartum care and potential complications determine the quality of care provided to women after childbirth, and is critical in the quest to decrease maternal mortality. In addition, it is essential that midwives provide education to the understanding of the patient on warning signs of potential complications after childbirth. This project is a survey of 246 midwives in the four hospitals that provide inpatient maternity services in Tamale, Ghana. We assess midwives’ knowledge of postpartum care and post-birth warning signs, knowledge of immediate newborn care and management of complications, education provided to postpartum patients, and midwives’ perceptions of knowledge to teach patients about complications and skills to manage complications.
Research Focus
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Maternal/Child and Community Health
At the EIGH, our researchers explore multifaceted health issues pertaining to women, pregnancy, breastfeeding, reproduction, and infant and child well-being. Our focus to decrease maternal and infant mortality rates supports a global priority among health practitioners and researchers. Additionally, community-based research on the local and global levels promotes a team effort to protect and improve the health of population groups worldwide.
Who’s Involved
EIGH Faculty
Global Partners
- Tamale Regional Health Directorate
- Tamale Teaching Hospital
Additional Information
Adams, Y.J. & Ray, H. (2019). Knowledge of postpartum care and postbirth warning signs among midwives in Ghana. Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care. Doi: 10.1111/BIRT.12472
Adams, Y.J (2020). How skilled are our “Skilled” maternity care providers?