Why do newborns die? Perspectives of community members and Health care providers in the Lawra Municipality in Upper West Region, Ghana

Abstract BACKGROUND Neonatal deaths contribute significantly to under-five deaths and are a crucial indicator of a country's socioeconomic development, quality of life, and health status. Neonatal deaths occur both at home and in health facilities. Hence community members' and health workers' perspectives collectively define neonatal survival. AIM This study explored the perceived causes of neonatal deaths among health service providers and community members. METHODS This study employed a qualitative descriptive design with a purposive sampling method of 30 participants (18 community members and 12 healthcare providers). Data were collected using Focus Group Discussion (FGD), transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using the content analysis technique. RESULTS Three categories emerged to describe the factors perceived to cause newborn deaths at health facilities and in the community. These categories were: (1) human factors (newborns, their mothers/families and health staff); (2) place factors (logistics, equipment and their interaction with newborns); and (3) time factors (delays, transport and referral). CONCLUSIONS The study identified differences in perspectives between health workers and community members. These differences can affect interventions in neonatal care. Health authorities are encouraged to engage their communities with geographic-specific factors causing neonatal deaths to identify and understand the influencing factors and take everyday actions towards reducing neonatal deaths.