Determinants of Model Mother Selection for Pregnancy Schools in Maternal and Child Survival Projects: Evidence from Northern Ghana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ijphn.v1i2.6385Keywords:
Ghana, Maternal Health, Model Mothers, Pregnancy Schools, Trust NetworksAbstract
Ghana faces persistent maternal health challenges. This study examined Pregnancy Schools in eight Northern districts, analyzing how Model Mother selection approaches shape program effectiveness and maternal health outcomes through culturally grounded, community-based intervention strategies. Existing literature emphasizes peer credibility and cultural embeddedness as critical to maternal health success. Earlier studies highlighted literacy as a determinant of peer education. This study interrogates that assumption, revealing that trust and cultural acceptance exert stronger influence on health-seeking behavior and service uptake. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to evaluate 200 Model Mothers across eight districts. Stratified sampling ensured representation, and multivariate regression analysis assessed the impact of selection criteria on maternal health outcomes. Districts prioritizing trust and maternal experience Talensi, Kasena Nankana, East Mamprusi, and Gushegu recorded significantly higher antenatal care attendance (β = 0.32, p < 0.01) and skilled delivery uptake (β = 0.28, p < 0.05). In contrast, Mamprugu-Moaduri, Zabzugu, West Gonja, and Sawla-Tuuna-Kalba emphasized literacy, yielding weaker outcomes in antenatal care (β = 0.05, p = 0.42) and skilled delivery (β = 0.07, p = 0.36), both statistically insignificant. These findings indicate that technical knowledge alone does not predict influence, while trust-based social capital enhances program effectiveness. Trust and maternal experience emerged as key determinants of MM selection, surpassing literacy. The results validate community mobilization theories, challenge literacy-centered approaches, and provide evidence to guide maternal health programming in Ghana.
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