NAME: ABIGAIL BOATEMAA

INDEX NUMBER: SN/MDF/MMT/22/0019

COURSE: RESEARCH METHODS

DATE: 16/08/2023

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

TITLE:

Role of Traditional Birth Attendants in Neonatal Mortality in Ghana - A

Case Study in Tano North Municipality.
 1. Research Problem:

The role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in neonatal mortality remains a significant
concern in many low-resource settings, including Ghana. TBAs play a crucial role in childbirth,
but their practices and skills may vary widely. This study aims to explore the impact of TBAs
on neonatal mortality rates within the Tano North Municipality of Ghana.

2. Research Purpose:

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between the
involvement of traditional birth attendants and neonatal mortality rates in the Tano North
Municipality. By understanding the practices, knowledge, and potential risks associated with
TBAs, this study aims to inform evidence-based interventions for improving neonatal health
outcomes.

Specific objectives:

I. To Understand the Roles, Practices, and Traditional Beliefs of TBAs in the Tano North
Municipality.
II. To Investigate the Impact of TBAs on Neonatal Mortality Rates in the Study Area.
III. To Explore the Perceptions of Mothers, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals
Regarding the Role of TBAs in Neonatal Health and Mortality.

3. Research Questions:

i. What are the roles, practices, and traditional beliefs of TBAs in the Tano North
Municipality?
ii. How do TBAs impact neonatal mortality rates in the study area?
iii. What are the perceptions of mothers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals regarding
the role of TBAs in neonatal health and mortality?
4. Implications on the Problem:

The findings of this research have important implications for maternal and neonatal health
policy and practice in Ghana. Understanding how TBAs influence neonatal mortality can
inform strategies to enhance collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare
providers, ensure safer delivery practices, and reduce neonatal mortality rates.
5. Backup Claim

It is hypothesized that the practices and knowledge of TBAs, if not aligned with evidence-
based maternal and neonatal care practices, may contribute to increased neonatal mortality
rates. There may be cases where inadequate sterile techniques, lack of access to emergency
care, and traditional beliefs could lead to unfavourable neonatal outcomes.

6. Scope:

This research will be conducted in the Tano North Municipality of Ghana, focusing specifically
on the role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and their impact on neonatal mortality rates.
The study will encompass a multi-faceted exploration, incorporating qualitative and
quantitative methods to comprehensively address the outlined research objectives.

7. Target Participants

The study will involve traditional birth attendants, mothers who have given birth with TBA
assistance, healthcare professionals, and community members.

8. Data Collection Methods and analysis.

The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative methods

(interviews, focus groups) and quantitative methods (surveys, statistical analysis of neonatal
mortality rates). Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis, and quantitative data
will be statistically analysed to determine associations between TBA involvement and neonatal
mortality rates.

9. Ethical Considerations

Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, and ethical guidelines for research
involving human subjects will be strictly followed.

10. Limitations

The study's findings will be specific to the Tano North Municipality and may not be
generalizable to other regions or contexts. Another limitation could be limited resources.
Limited resources for data collection, analysis, and fieldwork might impact the depth and
breadth of the study's insights. Also, data quality could be another limitation to the study. The
accuracy and reliability of data collected, both quantitative and qualitative, may be influenced
by factors such as participant honesty, interviewer bias, and transcription errors.
11. Expected Outcomes

The research aims to provide insights into the role of TBAs in neonatal mortality and guide
evidence-based strategies to improve neonatal health outcomes in the Tano North Municipality.
The findings will contribute to informed decision-making by policymakers, healthcare
providers, and communities striving to reduce neonatal mortality rates while respecting cultural
practices.

12. Conclusion

In conclusion, this research proposal seeks to address critical gaps in our understanding of the
role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in neonatal mortality in Ghana, with a specific
focus on the Tano North Municipality. The outlined research objectives are designed to
comprehensively explore the roles, practices, and traditional beliefs of TBAs, investigate their
impact on neonatal mortality rates, and delve into the perceptions of key stakeholders,
including mothers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.