Maternal and Perinatal Contributing Factors to Congenital Abnormalities in Children Below Five Years: A Study at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of the study was to examine the maternal and perinatal contributing factors of congenital abnormalities in children below five years. The study was carried out at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital in the Accra Metropolis. This study was an exploratory study which used quantitative method. The participants for the study were selected using convenience sampling. One hundred and eighty one questionnaires were distributed to mothers of children with congenital abnormalities who were below five years at the hospital. The data collected was coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings from the study suggested that, maternal and perinatal contributing factors including illicit drug use and herbal medication have a very significant and negative influence on the unborn child. Factors such as regular attendance to antennal clinic, healthy nutrition and taking of prescribed medication at the clinic also have significant and positive contribution to the good health of the baby. The study recommended that mothers should be encouraged to attend antenatal clinics regularly during pregnancy and health facilities should screen all pregnant women for congenital malformations for early detection and management. The psychological impact of congenital abnormalities on the family and educational programs can be organized to create awareness on the various types of congenital abnormalities and their management. It is anticipated that if these measures are taken into consideration, it will help to create awareness of congenital abnormalities, strengthen existing management procedures and help to reduce child morbidity and mortality in Ghana.