Predictors of maternal satisfaction with childbirth experience among first-time mothers in Phalombe District, Malawi

Abstract

Background/Aims Assessing maternal satisfaction with care improves healthcare professionals' understanding of women's needs at maternal healthcare services and can encourage future use of hospital-based intrapartum care. This study's aim was to explore predictors of maternal satisfaction with their childbirth experience at health facilities in Phalombe District, Malawi. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 254 first-time mothers, recruited using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using bivariate and multivariate analyses to determine predictors of maternal satisfaction. Results Only half (49.2%) of participants were satisfied with their childbirth experience. Welcoming and encouraging doctors/midwives (P<0.001) and being kept informed during labour (P=0.001) were the main predictors of maternal satisfaction. Conclusions Maternal satisfaction is impacted by a woman's relationship with her care providers and the information imparted during care. To improve maternal satisfaction with care at the study site, there is a need for healthcare providers to improve their interpersonal relationships with labouring women and provide adequate information during care.