Perspectives on Community Determinants of Neonatal Mortality and Unreported Cases among Women in the Kpandai District, Ghana

Background: The study sought to identify unreported cases and community perceived factors with neonatal mortality among women in the Kpandai District. In 2015, there were 5.9 million children worldwide who passed away. Of them, 45 percent were newborns, and 36 percent of these neonatal deaths happened within the first 24 hours of birth. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the perceived risk factors associated with neonatal mortality among women in the Kpandai District. Method: A phenomenological study design was used for this study, which adopted a descriptive qualitative approach. Unstructured interview guide was used to interviewed participants on the perceived determinants and unreported cases of neonatal mortality. NVivo version 11 was used for data analysis. Results: Our results showed that there were 25 unreported neonatal deaths which has no link with institutional records. Majority of the participants revealed that the use of concoction thus locally prepared oxytocin ‘Gmanche’, Cow dung, shea butter were perceived risk factors for NM. Danger alluded to crossing streams and rivers for ANC, delivery or PNC, distance to health facilities and cost of transportation, prohibition from passing through some roads and trees where the gods reside, not moving during the mid-day and mid-night hours when a woman is pregnant were also perceived risk factors contributing to NM in the district. Conclusion: The high rate of unreported neonatal deaths in Kpandai is a public health concern. The Government, Ghana Health Service and non-governmental organizations must refocus on interventions like quality and focused ANC and PNC services at the rural areas and enact policies to address rural maternal and neonatal health problems. The Health Belief Model could be used in the educational campaigns, durbars, and radio engagements for the reduction in neonatal deaths.