Quality of care in maternal and neonatal health in Jumla, rural Nepal: Women’s perspective

Abstract

There has been a significant improvement in maternal and neonatal health in the last two decades around the world. However, many women still die during pregnancy and childbirth. Nepal is one of the United Nations (UN) Member States which is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce maternal mortality Ratio (MMR) and Newborn Mortality Rate (NMR). Understanding the women’s perspective on the maternity health service is vital for improving the utilisation of the maternity care services. Hence, this study explored women’s perspective on quality of care in maternal and neonatal health (MNH) in the Jumla district of Nepal.This study employed a qualitative methodology which consists of semi-structured interviews with pregnant women and mothers with children under two years of age, from Jumla district, Nepal. Two main themes that occurred during the interviews were experience of care, expected quality of care and MNH service in federalisation.The participants in the study found that the communication and information were clear to them, and the waiting time was from no waiting time to half an hour. Some participants expressed concern about the health worker’s behaviour during their visit to the health facilities. The women also expressed that quality of care for them meant having accessible health services in their local settings.Women’s experiences of care play an essential role in improving the quality of care in maternal and neonatal health. The health system needs to consider women’s experiences while planning for maternal health system in order to improve the maternal and neonatal health outcomes.