African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems | 05 January 2008
A Systematic Review of Community Health Worker-Led Group Antenatal Care and Its Impact on Skilled Birth Attendance in Ghana’s Brong-Ahafo Region, 2008
K, w, a, m, e, A, s, a, r, e, ,, A, m, a, S, e, r, w, a, a, M, e, n, s, a, h
Abstract
Skilled birth attendance is a crucial public health objective in Ghana. The Brong-Ahafo Region has implemented innovative strategies to improve maternal outcomes, including a community health worker-led group model for antenatal care. This approach uses group sessions to provide education and peer support, aiming to enhance knowledge and service use. This systematic review synthesised evidence on the effectiveness of the community health worker-led group antenatal care model on skilled birth attendance rates in Ghana’s Brong-Ahafo Region. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with established guidelines. Multiple academic databases and grey literature sources were searched. Studies were screened against pre-defined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively due to heterogeneity in study designs. The review identified a limited number of relevant studies. The available evidence suggested a positive association between participation in the group antenatal care model and increased use of skilled birth attendance. One notable study reported that women in the intervention groups demonstrated a higher likelihood of planning for and using a skilled attendant at delivery compared to those receiving standard, individual antenatal care. The community health worker-led group antenatal care model appears promising for improving skilled birth attendance in the Brong-Ahafo Region. However, the current evidence base is limited, underscoring the need for more rigorous research to substantiate its effectiveness and clarify its mechanisms of impact. Future research should employ robust study designs, such as randomised controlled trials, to evaluate the model’s effectiveness. Programme implementers should consider contextual adaptations and explore pathways for integrating the model within the broader health system to improve its sustainability and coverage. community health workers, group antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, maternal health, Ghana, systematic review This review consolidates the existing evidence on a specific maternal health intervention in Ghana, highlighting both its potential and the limitations of the current research. It provides a foundation to guide future research and programme planning aimed at improving skilled birth attendance.