ISSN 2756-3332
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 9 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Midwifery students’ willingness to provide manual vacuum aspiration in Ghana
Sarah Rominski1*, Emmanuel Nakua2, Peter Ageyi-Baffour2, Mawuli Gyakobo3 and Jody R. Lori4
1Global REACH, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI,5124b Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
2School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
3Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
4University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
Accepted 19 January, 2021
Abstract
Abortion remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the developing world. Midwives are more likely to provide services to more than half of the world’s population residing in rural areas than other healthcare providers. When properly trained, midwives are able to safely provide manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). As part of a larger study, final-year midwifery students took part in a computer-based survey and were asked about the training and education they received related to MVA. 93 students completed the survey questions related to MVA. 60.2% reported that they are either “very likely” or “likely” to provide this service once they graduate. Only 5 students indicated they had an opportunity to practice the skill during their training. The most common reason for answering “definitely will not” provide MVA was religious beliefs. In Ghana, midwifery students are being taught manual vacuum aspiration, although they are not being given adequate opportunity for supervised experiences. This raises the issue of how well prepared they are to provide this service following graduation. To address the continuing problem of unsafe abortion, midwifery training colleges in Ghana should establish a mechanism to expose students to additional simulation and clinical experiences.
Key words: Midwifery, Ghana, Africa, abortion, maternal health.