Maternal satisfaction with childbirth services among postnatal mothers at a primary health center

Abstract

Background: Primary health centers (PHC) are the first point of contact among the public and structured health services. Maternal satisfaction is an indicator of the quality of services received by the mother during their childbirth experience at the primary health centers. This study aimed to assess the maternal satisfaction of postnatal mothers with childbirth services at a primary health center. Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken at a conveniently selected 24-hour functional primary health center. Maternal satisfaction of mothers delivering at the selected PHC was assessed by using the standardized SMMS tool. 36 mothers selected by convenience sampling were interviewed. Results: All (100%) mothers were satisfied with their childbirth experience (overall mean score 143.3 and SD 5.68). Mothers expressed their highest level of satisfaction with the childbirth experience as one of their best experiences (4.9±.3), they agreed that doctors did all interventions they could do (4.8±0.4) and also, they said that doctors and nurses explained them about all new situations related to labor (4.4±0.5). Mothers were least satisfied with the management of labor pain (1.9±1), nurses could have given them a little more time to start their breast feed (3.1±0.8) and if they could have started breast-feeding a little early (3.2±1.2). Conclusions: Maternal satisfaction is an important indicator of maternal and newborn services provided at any health care facility. Assessing the mother’s perspective is a good determinant of their expectations and can help improve the quality of services at the primary health centers.