Abstract
BackgroundPoor environmental conditions and hygiene practices at the time of childbirth is linked to life-threatening infections and death in mothers and babies. Improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) have been identified as a means through which the lives of mothers and babies could be saved. This study was carried out to explore WASH conditions and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in traditional birth homes/centers in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria. A total of 50 traditional birth centers and attendants (TBAs) were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics of the TBAs and features of the birth centers were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Assessment of WASH conditions and IPC practices was based on established protocols.ResultsFindings revealed that majority of the centers operated under poor WASH conditions and IPC practices; none met with the WHO minimum standards for environmental health.ConclusionsAdequate WASH facilities and IPC practices remain a critical component of maternal and child health even in non-facility birth. As the transition to facility births continues in many countries, the large number of non-facility births demands their inclusion in WASH-related strategies, if global goals of reducing deaths of newborns and women deaths will be achieved.
Highlights
Poor environmental conditions and hygiene practices at the time of childbirth is linked to life-threatening infections and death in mothers and babies
In many parts of the world, and especially in Africa, substantial proportion of women deliver at home and in health facilities deliver without access to essential WASH services that ensure clean practices [8, 12, 13]
The results show that of the 50 water samples collected from the birth centers, the presence of fecal coliform was detected in 22 % of the birth centers
Summary
Poor environmental conditions and hygiene practices at the time of childbirth is linked to life-threatening infections and death in mothers and babies. This study was carried out to explore WASH conditions and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in traditional birth homes/centers in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria. In many parts of the world, and especially in Africa, substantial proportion of women deliver at home and in health facilities deliver without access to essential WASH services that ensure clean practices [8, 12, 13]. These gaps are more pronounced in rural areas with smaller facilities than in larger facilities in urban areas [8, 12]. A large percentage of births in LMICs are attended to outside health facilities by TBAs [14,15,16] without requisite clean delivery tools leading to even greater chances of infection [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
