Experiences of postnatal mothers with quality of care including water, sanitation and hygiene amenities during the outbreak of COVID - 19 in Ghana : an institutional cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the experiences and perceptions of postnatal mothers with quality of healthcare including WASH amenities among postnatal mothers in Ghana during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Study design: The study was an institutional cross-sectional.

Methods: The survey was conducted in six (6) regions across the northern, middle, and coastal belts of Ghana among postnatal mothers (n = 424). Eligible respondents accessed antenatal care (ANC) in 12 healthcare facilities (primary level and secondary level) during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Univariate ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict determinants of overall perceived quality of healthcare and experiences with WASH amenities in healthcare facilities visited.

Findings: Privacy and confidentiality (mean score = 3.07) were the most highly rated quality indicator while the least rated indicator was dignity and respect of clients (mean score = 2.13). Approximately 50% of postnatal mothers reported paying out-of-pocket for essential ANC medications. Perceived quality of healthcare was positive among those who accessed care at a district/municipal hospital (Coef. = 1.29; 95%CI 0.45, 2.13, p = 0.003); co-habiting with a partner (Coef. = 1.64; 95%CI 0.64, 2.65, p = 0.001), and resident in an urban location (Coef. = 2.30; 95%CI 0.30, 3.30, p = 0.001). Mothers who accessed care at a district or municipal hospital (Coef. = 1.81; 95%CI 0.83, 2.78, p = 0.001); were co-habiting with a partner (Coef. = 1.92; 95%CI 0.76, 3.07, p = 0.001), and had a private health insurance cover (Coef. = 3.18; 95%CI 0.69, 5.67, p = 0.012) were more likely to rank WASH amenities better than their comparators.

Conclusion: Overall perception of postnatal mothers of healthcare quality including WASH amenities after outbreak of COVID-19 was good, but with significant concerns about dignity and respect accorded them during care and having to pay out-of-pocket for some ANC medications. Relevant managers, service providers and regulatory institutions are encouraged to initiate and sustain policy dialogues and stakeholder consultations on the healthcare quality care gaps established in this study. There is the need for more investments in WASH amenities in the health sector as a quality assurance strategy, especially for maternal and child health services. [author abstract]