Roles In Maternal Health Care Research Articles

Perception and Utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants by Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Clinics in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Background: Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal healthcare in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. This study assessed the perception and utilisation of TBAs among pregnant women attending primary health care clinics in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 registered pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected primary health centres. A semi-structured intervieweradministered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using Epi Info software. Data was presented with frequency tables and charts and test for association between categorical variables was done using Chi square. P value was set at <0.05.
 Results: The study found that 40.1% of respondents utilised TBA services, while 59.9% did not. The services accessed from TBAs included routine antenatal care (61.2%), normal delivery (54.2%), special bath (13.5%), concoction for mothers (56.8%), and family planning (41.7%). The reasons for utilising TBAs were cheaper services (84.5%), cultural acceptability (24.7%), proximity to home (91.8%), belief in more compassionate care (74.2%), and limited knowledge of alternative services (3.1%). Most TBA users (85.6%) expressed satisfaction with the services. The study also revealed associations between TBA utilisation and socio- demographic characteristics such as age, religion, tribe, educational status, and occupation.
 Conclusion: The study highlights the continued utilisation of TBAs for maternal healthcare services in the study area, driven by various factors, including affordability, cultural acceptability, and proximity. Efforts should be directed towards improving knowledge and awareness about alternative healthcare options and promoting safe practices among TBAs. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive maternal healthcare interventions that address different population groups' unique needs and preferences.

Overview of Traditional Birth Attendance in Nigeria

Traditional Birth Attendance (TBA) has played a significant role in maternal healthcare in Nigeria for centuries. This paper provides an overview of Traditional Birth Attendance practices in Nigeria, exploring the conceptual analysis, determinants of traditional birth attendance usage, mothers’ reasons for Choosing TBAs for delivery services, and integration into the Health Care System. The paper highlights the essential role of TBAs in preserving cultural heritage, community support, and local knowledge related to childbirth. However, it also identifies numerous challenges associated with TBA practices, including inadequate training, limited medical knowledge, unhygienic birthing conditions, and the potential risks of complications during childbirth. In conclusion, this overview sheds light on the complex landscape of Traditional Birth Attendance in Nigeria. The coexistence of traditional practices and modern healthcare systems presents unique challenges and opportunities. A balanced approach that respects cultural traditions, while prioritizing safe and skilled birth attendance, holds the potential to enhance maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria. Further research and collaborative efforts are needed to create an integrated and comprehensive healthcare system that caters to the diverse needs of the Nigerian population.

Maternal health expert feedback on the attributes of a predictive analytics tool to improve pregnancy-related cardiovascular and mental health outcomes in the United States

ABSTRACT Identify pregnancy-related challenges and opportunities to improve maternal health care in the United States and understand the potential role of predictive analytics tool(s) in bridging the existing gaps, specifically, in CVD (cardiovascular disease) and depression. Experts in maternal health care, research, patient advocacy, CVD, psychiatry, and technology were interviewed during February and March of 2020. Additionally, published literature was reviewed to assess existing data, insights, and best practices that might help develop effective predictive analytics tool(s). The majority (78%) of the 18 experts interviewed were women. The feedback revealed several insights, including multiple barriers to diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related CVD and depression. In experts’ collective opinion, predictive analytics could play an important role in maternal health care and in limiting pregnancy-related CVD and depression, but it must be grounded in quality data and integrate with existing health management systems. A holistic approach to maternal health that factors in racial-ethnic, regional, and socioeconomic disparities is needed that starts with preconception counseling and continues through 1 year postpartum. Predictive analytics tool(s) that are based on diverse and high-quality data could bridge some of the existing gaps in maternal health care and potentially help limit pregnancy-related CVD and depression.

Determinants of male involvement in maternal healthcare services in southwest Nigeria

Background/Aims In Nigeria, women's partners are often excluded from taking part in maternal healthcare, as a result of sociocultural norms. However, the involvement of male partners in maternal healthcare services has the potential to improve maternal health outcomes. This study examined factors associated with male involvement in maternal healthcare services in Ife Central, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 265 men living in Ife Central who were married with at least one child, selected by multistage sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to assess men's knowledge of their expected roles in maternal healthcare, their perception of male involvement, and their current level of involvement in their spouse's healthcare. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out to identify predictors of active male involvement in maternal healthcare, at a significance of P<0.05. Results Approximately half (55.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge of the expected role of men in maternal healthcare services and 76.6% had a positive perception of this role. Overall, less than half (47.6%) of the participants were actively involved in maternal healthcare services. The participants most frequently reported that men's involvement was influenced by their degree of knowledge (92.4%), job schedule (92.0%), and clinic waiting time (86.4%), among others. Age (odds ratio=2.33, P=0.038), educational status (odds ratio=2.42, P=0.004) religion (odds ratio=2.34, P=0.012), occupation (odds ratio=2.81, P<0.001) and level of knowledge (odds ratio=2.34, P=0.001) were found to be significantly associated with men's level of involvement in maternal healthcare services. However, only good level of knowledge (adjusted odds ratio=2.32, P=0.004) emerged as an independent predictor of men's level of involvement in maternal healthcare services. Conclusions The study concluded that men's involvement in maternal healthcare services was low, despite their positive perception towards it. Less than half of the participants had good knowledge regarding men's role in maternal healthcare, and this factor was identified as a significant predictor of level of involvement. Programmes and policies should aim to enhance men's knowledge of their role in maternal healthcare, and it may be necessary to restructure the healthcare delivery system to be more male friendly.

Evaluation of factors influencing quality of life in the third trimester of pregnancy: A cross-sectional study

Quality of life in pregnancy plays a key role in maternal healthcare. This study sought to determine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, maternal risk factors and pregnancy complaints on pregnant women’s quality of life. This descriptive study assessed the quality of life of 327 pregnant women using the short form of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Assessment in conjunction with a questionnaire about sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. Results were statistically analyzed using Independent Samples t-tests, Kruskal Wallis Variance Analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and multiple regression analysis. Physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, constipation, dizziness and frequent urination, decreased women’s physical quality of life. Caesarean deliveries, higher spousal education levels and fewer children were significantly correlated with a higher environmental quality of life. Poor social quality of life was correlated with a history of mental illness and lower education levels (p

Perspective of Traditional Birth Attendants on Their Experiences and Roles in Maternal Health Care in Rural Areas of Northern Ghana.

Background Traditional birth attendants play significant roles in maternal health care in the rural communities in developing countries such as Ghana. Despite their important role in maternal health care, there is paucity of information from the perspective of traditional birth attendants regarding their role on maternal health care in rural areas in Ghana. Objective The aim of this study was to explore and describe the role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health care in the rural areas in Ghana. Methods A qualitative explorative approach was adopted to explore the role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health care in the rural areas of Ghana. Ten (10) out of a total of twenty-seven (27) practising traditional birth attendants in the study area were purposefully selected from five (5) rural communities in the Bongo District of Ghana for the study. Data were collected through in-depth, unstructured, individual interviews using a guide. Data collected from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed to identify themes. Results Six main roles of traditional birth attendants on maternal health care in rural areas were identified in this study: traditional birth attendants conduct deliveries at home, they provide health education to women on nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, they arrange means of transport and accompany women in labour to health facilities, they provide psychological support and counselling to women during pregnancy and childbirth, and traditional birth attendants are not paid in cash for the services they render to women in the rural areas. Conclusion Our study brought to light the critical role traditional birth attendants play in maternity in rural and remote areas in Ghana. There is a need for skilled birth attendants to collaborate with traditional birth attendants in rural and deprived communities to provide quality and culturally accepted care in the rural communities.

Effects of HIV/AIDS on Maternity Care Providers in Kenya

To explore the impact of HIV/AIDS on maternity care providers in labor and delivery in a high HIV-prevalence setting in sub-Saharan Africa. Qualitative one-on-one in-depth interviews with maternity care providers. Four health facilities providing labor and delivery services (2 public hospitals, a public health center, and a small private maternity hospital) in Kisumu, Nyanza Province, Kenya. Eighteen maternity care providers, including 14 nurse/midwives, 2 physician assistants, and 2 physicians (ob/gyn specialists). The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had numerous adverse effects and a few positive effects on maternity care providers in this setting. Adverse effects include reductions in the number of health care providers, increased workload, burnout, reduced availability of services in small health facilities when workers are absent due to attending HIV/AIDS training programs, difficulties with confidentiality and unwanted disclosure, and maternity care providers' fears of becoming HIV infected and the resulting stigma and discrimination. Positive effects include improved infection control procedures on maternity wards and enhanced maternity care provider knowledge and skills. A multifaceted package including policy, infrastructure, and training interventions is needed to support maternity care providers in these settings and ensure that they are able to perform their critical roles in maternal healthcare and prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission.