Factors Influencing Utilisation of Hernia Care among Women Seeking Surgical Healthcare: A Study of a Peri-urban Health Facility in Eastern Ghana

Aims: To assess factors associated with the utilization of quality hernia care among female adults seeking healthcare.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Nsawam Government Hospital in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana between May 15th and June 15th, 2022.

Methodology: We applied a quantitative research method where both self-administered and interviewer-administered strategies were applied to administer a structured questionnaire. A consecutive sampling approach was used to recruit a total of 180 women who sought surgical care. Data was analyzed using STATA version 15 Software. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The level of significance was accepted at P=.05 at a 95% confidence interval.

Results: Overall, 180 women took part in the study out of the estimated sample size of 189, giving a response rate of 95.2%. The proportion of hernia among the women was 56% out of which the common types were umbilical hernia (32%) and incisional hernia (12%). The rate of utilization of hernia care was 75%. Logistic regression showed that marital status (being single) (aOR = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.002-0.20; P =.001), occupation (traders) (aOR = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.003-0.35; P = .004), and reliance on traditional healers (aOR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.02-0.74; P = .024) were significant predictors of utilization of hernia care.

Conclusion: The study showed a high proportion of hernia cases among women seeking surgical care. The majority of these hernias were inguinal hernia followed by umbilical and incisional hernia. The study suggests that managers at the hospital level, policymakers, and stakeholders in the health sector should ensure the provision of affordable hernia care for women such that early detection would be one of the key strategies to prevent imminent complications or limitations to daily activity.