Prevalence and determinants of mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact in Ghana

Our study has shown moderate mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact practise in Ghana, with significant regional variations. Going forward, any initiatives by the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, or other organisations focused on maternal and neonatal health must consider the geographical context of their efforts and programme implementation. Enhancing skin-to-skin contact requires increased advocacy and health education during antenatal care sessions, alongside higher attendance at such visits. Additionally, advocating for hospital births and reducing the number of home births is likely to boost skin-to-skin contact practices in Ghana.