Community Perception of Advanced Maternal Age and High Parity as Risk Factors for Maternal Mortality in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Maternal mortality is high in the Volta region of Ghana. Most of the maternal deaths in the South Tongu district in recent years have been in women with Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) and/or High Parity (HP). In the past, the perception of these risk factors has been found to be different from the health worker and women’s perspectives. This qualitative study set out to determine the community’s perception of AMA and High Parity as maternal mortality risk factors. A cross-sectional study design was used. It was descriptive and qualitative. Fifty-four (54) participants (18 male, 36 Female) took part in Focus group discussions and key informant interviews which were audio recorded. Experience of previous maternal deaths, perceived pregnancy risks, perceived risks of AMA and High Parity and future healthcare suggestions were the main themes of the discussions/interviews. The perception of AMA as a risk was not widespread, and those who perceived it as such thought of women in their 50’s and 60’s as those at risk of maternal mortality. High Parity was thought of as not being a risk by older women, and thought of as an economic risk rather than a medical one by younger women.