Geospatial evaluation of service areas: empowering maternal health for ensuring healthy lives and well-being in the Wenchi Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Accessibility to maternal health services is an important determinant of maternal health outcomes, especially in lower resource settings where distances can pose a significant challenge to prompt access to health care. The aim of the study was to assess the geospatial distribution of maternal healthcare service areas in Wenchi Municipality, Ghana and to pinpoint areas of inaccessibility.

Methods: Service areas were mapped around nine health facilities using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, network analysis and Thiessen polygons. Accessibility analysis was conducted in 85 communities and a vulnerability map was created to show local inequalities in access to maternal health services.

Results: This analysis showed a linear catchment pattern surrounding health facilities, showing that there were significant areas where there were gaps in accessing maternal healthcare services. Of the 85 communities studied, only 34 (34%) had access to maternal health services, and most communities had to deal with different levels of access issues.

Conclusion: The result of this study shows that there are huge gaps in maternal healthcare accessibility in Wenchi Municipality with the majority of the communities being underserved. It is recommended that there is improvement of accessibility through targeted infrastructure development, community engagement programs and technology integration.