Factors associated with friendly care and its comparison among mothers who get and did not get the care provider of their choice at Jimma medical center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundFriendly care during labor and delivery is considered part of companionate maternal care throughout the perinatal period. It is vital to understand that women deserve friendly care to improve maternal use of health care facilities and the quality of care in general. This study aimed to assess the level of friendly care during labor and delivery and identify possible significant factors associated with it as well as make a comparison in receiving friendly care between mothers cared for by the provider they want and those who did not get the provider they wanted. MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 mothers at the postnatal units of Jimma medical center. The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula and a systematic random sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire prepared in local languages. Data were entered into Epi Data version 4.2 and the analysis was conducted using statistical packages for social sciences version 23. The level of significance was determined with a p-value of <0.05 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. The results are presented in the tables, charts, and narratives. ResultThe study had a response rate of 100%. The analysis indicated that 314 (90.23%) participants had received friendly care. There was a significant difference in friendly care between mothers who received the provider they wanted and those who did not (Z = −5.78; p < 0.001). The type of delivery (p < 0.001), longer stay in the facility after delivery (p = 0.005) and presence of any complication in the last delivery (p = 0.009) were factors significantly associated with friendly care. ConclusionThere was relatively good friendly care in Jimma medical center. It is recommended that mothers receive care from the provider of their choice to make the care friendlier. It is also revealed that it is necessary to consider the type of delivery, avoid unnecessary mothers’ stay of after delivery, and prevent and manage the complications of childbirth early to help mothers get care that is friendly.