What prevent women for a sustainable use of maternal care in two medical districts of Burkina Faso? A qualitative study.

Telesphore Some Donmozoun,Nicolas Meda,Issiaka Sombie

doi:10.11604/pamj.2014.18.43.2210

Telesphore Some Donmozoun, Nicolas Meda + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2014.18.43.2210

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Abstract

IntroductionSkilled attendance is one of the major strategies to curtail maternal mortality, specifically in developing countries. Despite the low level of equipment, it is only in health facilities that skilled care are provided during pregnancy and childbirth; but there are some barriers which prevent women to use health facilities for good care.MethodsThis study was carried out in Ouargaye where a skilled care initiative was implemented by Family care International with the aim to increase the skilled attendance at delivery and Diapaga, the control district. Thirty (30) In-depth interviews, 8 Focus group discussions and 6 non participant observations were carried out. Participants were women from 15-49 years. All the interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed line by line. NVIVO was used to manage the interviews.ResultsFour types of barriers have been described by women; 1) the cultural barriers concern the low status of women in the two districts and some traditional beliefs which mean that women can not always decide to use health facility by themselves. 2) The geographical barrier is about the distance to reach health facility and the lack of transport means. 3) The financial barrier to pay care and drugs. 4) Bad organization of care and poor quality of care provided to women.ConclusionTo minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, it is important that women use health facilities. The barriers described by women are not insurmountable but needed to be integrated in a global comprehensive health policy.

Highlights

Skilled attendance is one of the major strategies to curtail maternal mortality, in developing countries
In Burkina Faso, the maternal mortality ratio is around 484/100 000 live births [2] due to low access to skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth
The general tendency is to use maternity services to benefit from skilled care

Summary

Introduction

Skilled attendance is one of the major strategies to curtail maternal mortality, in developing countries. WHO estimated maternal mortality ratio of 920/100000 live births for Sub-Saharan Africa with a lifetime risk of a maternal death of 1 in 16 [1] These rates are very high when compared to developed countries lifetime risk of 1 in 2800 estimated during the same time period [1]. In Burkina Faso, the maternal mortality ratio is around 484/100 000 live births [2] due to low access to skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth. The reasons for these deaths are known but there is not yet a costeffective strategy which takes account of the economical, social and political context of the country. Skilled attendant is defined as "an accredited health professional -such as a midwife, doctor or nurse -who has been educated and trained to proficiency in the skills needed to manage normal (uncomplicated) pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complications in women and newborns" [1]

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Discussion

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