1
|
Bigirinama RN, Mothupi MC, Mwene-Batu PL, Kozuki N, Chiribagula CZ, Chimanuka CM, Ngaboyeka GA, Bisimwa GB. Prioritization of maternal and newborn health policies and their implementation in the eastern conflict affected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo: a political economy analysis. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:55. [PMID: 38689347 PMCID: PMC11061947 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01138-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a major concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the country's protracted crisis context exacerbates the problem. This political economy analysis examines the maternal and newborn health (MNH) prioritization in the DRC, focussing specifically on the conflict-affected regions of North and South Kivu. The aim is to understand the factors that facilitate or hinder the prioritization of MNH policy development and implementation by the Congolese government and other key actors at national level and in the provinces of North and South Kivu. METHODS Using a health policy triangle framework, data collection consisted of in-depth interviews with key actors at different levels of the health system, combined with a desk review. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive and then deductive approaches, exploring the content, process, actor dynamics, contextual factors and gender-related factors influencing MNH policy development and implementation. RESULTS The study highlighted the challenges of prioritizing policies in the face of competing health and security emergencies, limited resources and governance issues. The universal health coverage policy seems to offer hope for improving access to MNH services. Results also revealed the importance of international partnerships and global financial mechanisms in the development of MNH strategies. They reveal huge gender disparities in the MNH sector at all levels, and the need to consider cultural factors that can positively or negatively impact the success of MNH policies in crisis zones. CONCLUSIONS MNH is a high priority in DRC, yet implementation faces hurdles due to financial constraints, political influences, conflicts and gender disparities. Addressing these challenges requires tailored community-based strategies, political engagement, support for health personnel and empowerment of women in crisis areas for better MNH outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosine Nshobole Bigirinama
- Ecole Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Avenue Michombero No. 02, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
- School of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Ecole de Santé Publique, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
| | | | - Pacifique Lyabayungu Mwene-Batu
- Ecole Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Avenue Michombero No. 02, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- School of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- School of Medicine, Université de Kaziba, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Naoko Kozuki
- Airbel Impact Lab, International Rescue Committee, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Christian Zalinga Chiribagula
- Ecole Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Avenue Michombero No. 02, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Christine Murhim'alika Chimanuka
- Ecole Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Avenue Michombero No. 02, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles, Lwiro, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Centre de Recherche Politiques, Systèmes de Santé, Santé Internationale (CR3), Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka
- Ecole Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Avenue Michombero No. 02, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Centre de Recherche Politiques, Systèmes de Santé, Santé Internationale (CR3), Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Balaluka Bisimwa
- Ecole Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Avenue Michombero No. 02, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- School of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles, Lwiro, Democratic Republic of Congo
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abredu J, Dwumfour CK, Alipitio B, Alordey M, Dzomeku VM, Witter S. A scoping review of the residual barriers to skilled birth attendance in Ghana: A conceptual framework and a fish bone analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002902. [PMID: 38346065 PMCID: PMC10861047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.1 is strongly dependent on the effective utilization of skilled birth services. Despite advancements made in Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA) in Ghana, there are still instances of unassisted childbirths taking place. The aim of this study was to explore the residual barriers of SBA such as community- and health system-related factors affecting SBA in Ghana and to identify strategies for addressing them. An electronic search was done using PubMed, Popline, Science direct, BioMed Central, Scopus and Google scholar for peer reviewed articles as well as grey articles from other relevant sources, published between 200 and 2022 on community- and health system related factors influencing SBA in Ghana. Out of the 89 articles retrieved for full screening, a total of 52 peer-reviewed articles and 1 grey article were selected for the final review. The study revealed that cultural practices (community factors), low quality of service delivery due to the inappropriate behaviors, lack of competency of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) as well as the inefficient distribution of SBAs contribute to ineffective uptake of SBA (health system factors). Also, indirect costs are associated with the utilization of skilled delivery care even with the existence of 'free' delivery care policy under the national health insurance (policy factor). For Ghana to achieve the SDGs above and improve SBA, it is essential to enhance the quality of skilled delivery care by addressing the attitude and competencies of skilled birth professionals, while plans are put in place to expand and develop the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) strategy to help address the access barriers to SBA. More so, the 'free' delivery care policy should absorb all the costs associated with skilled delivery for pregnant women as it is intended for.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Abredu
- Ho Nurses’ Training College, Ho, Ghana
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine K. Dwumfour
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Boo Alipitio
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Veronica Millicent Dzomeku
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sophie Witter
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kota K, Chomienne MH, Geneau R, Yaya S. Socio-economic and cultural factors associated with the utilization of maternal healthcare services in Togo: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:109. [PMID: 37488593 PMCID: PMC10367352 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01644-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper utilization of maternal healthcare services plays a major role on pregnancy and birth outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, maternal and child mortality remains a major public health concern, especially in least developed countries such as Togo. In this study, we aimed to analyze factors associated with use of maternal health services among Togolese women aged 15-49 years. METHODS This study used data from third round of nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey conducted in Togo in 2013. Analysis included 4,631 women aged 15-49 years. Outcome variables were timely first antenatal care (ANC) visits, adequate ANC4 + visits, and health facility delivery. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16. RESULTS Overall, proportion of maternal healthcare utilization was 27.53% for timely first ANC visits, 59.99% for adequate ANC visits, and 75.66% for health facility delivery. Our multivariable analysis showed significant differences among women in highest wealth quintile, especially in rural areas with increasing odds of timely first ANC visits (Odds ratio (OR) = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.32,5.16), attending adequate ANC visits (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.48,3.24), and delivering in health facilities (OR = 8.53, 95% CI = 4.06, 17.92) compared to those in the poorest quintile. Also, women with higher education had increased odds of timely first ANC visits (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.11,1.69), and attending adequate ANC visits (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.42,2.12) compared to those with no formal education. However, having higher parity and indigenous beliefs especially in rural areas decreased odds of using healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study showed that socio-economic inequality and socio-cultural barriers influenced the use of maternal healthcare services in Togo. There is therefore a need to improve accessibility and the utilization of maternal healthcare services through women's economic empowerment and education to reduce the barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komlan Kota
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Chomienne
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Robert Geneau
- Applied Research Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ajayi AI, Ahinkorah BO, Seidu AA. "I don't like to be seen by a male provider": health workers' strike, economic, and sociocultural reasons for home birth in settings with free maternal healthcare in Nigeria. Int Health 2023; 15:435-444. [PMID: 36167330 PMCID: PMC10318974 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ending maternal mortality has been a significant global health priority for decades. Many sub-Saharan African countries introduced user fee removal policies to attain this goal and ensure universal access to health facility delivery. However, many women in Nigeria continue to deliver at home. We examined the reasons for home birth in settings with free maternal healthcare in Southwestern and North Central Nigeria. METHODS We adopted a fully mixed, sequential, equal-status design. For the quantitative study, we drew data from 211 women who reported giving birth at home from a survey of 1227 women of reproductive age who gave birth in the 5 y before the survey. The qualitative study involved six focus group discussions and 68 in-depth interviews. Data generated through the interviews were coded and subjected to inductive thematic analysis, while descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. RESULTS Women faced several barriers that limited their use of skilled birth attendants. These barriers operate at multiple levels and could be grouped as economic, sociocultural and health facility-related factors. Despite the user fee removal policy, lack of transportation, birth unpreparedness and lack of money pushed women to give birth at home. Also, sociocultural reasons such as hospital delivery not being deemed necessary in the community, women not wanting to be seen by male health workers, husbands not motivated and husbands' disapproval hindered the use of health facilities for childbirth. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated that free healthcare does not guarantee universal access to healthcare. Interventions, especially in the Nasarawa state of Nigeria, should focus on the education of mothers on the importance of health facility-based delivery and birth preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent Health (SRMNCAH) Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Australia
- Centre for Gender and Advocacy, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mengesha EW, Tessema GA, Assefa Y, Alene GD. Social capital and its role to improve maternal and child health services in Northwest Ethiopia: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284592. [PMID: 37083885 PMCID: PMC10120927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social capital is a set of shared values that allows individuals or groups receive emotional, instrumental or financial resources flow. In Ethiopia, despite people commonly involved in social networks, there is a dearth of evidence exploring whether membership in these networks enhances uptake of maternal and child health (MCH) services. This study aimed to explore perspectives of women, religious leaders and community health workers (CHWs) on social capital to improve uptake of MCH services in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS We employed a qualitative study through in-depth interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions. A maximum variation purposive sampling technique was used to select 41 study participants (11 in-depth interviews and 4 FGDs comprising 7-8 participants). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was employed using ATLAS.ti software. RESULTS Four overarching themes and 13 sub-themes of social capital were identified as factors that improve uptake of MCH services. The identified themes were social networking, social norms, community support, and community cohesion. Most women, CHWs and religious leaders participated in social networks. These social networks enabled CHWs to create awareness on MCH services. Women, religious leaders and CHWs perceived that existing social capital improves the uptake of MCH services. CONCLUSION The community has an indigenous culture of providing emotional, instrumental and social support to women through social networks. So, it would be useful to consider the social capital of family, neighborhood and community as a tool to improve utilization of MCH services. Therefore, policymakers should design people-centered health programs to engage existing social networks, and religious leaders for improving MCH services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Endalkachew Worku Mengesha
- Department of Reproductive Health and Population Studies, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew A Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Getu Degu Alene
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dickson KS, Kwabena Ameyaw E, Akpeke M, Mottey BE, Adde KS, Esia-Donkoh K. Socio-economic disadvantage and quality Antenatal Care (ANC) in Sierra Leone: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280061. [PMID: 36634154 PMCID: PMC9836291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reduction of maternal mortality remains a global priority as highlighted by the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This is critical in the case of Sierra Leone as the country is one of three (3) countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio globally, thus 1,120 per 100,000 live births. The approximate lifetime risk of maternal mortality in the country is 1 in 17, relative to 1 in 3,300 in high-income countries. These raise doubt about the quality of the continuum of maternal healthcare in the country, particularly antenatal care and as a result, the objective of the present study is to investigate the association between socio-economic disadvantage and quality antenatal care service utilisation as well as associated correlates in Sierra Leone. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study used data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of Sierra Leone. Only women who had given birth in the five years preceding the survey were included, which is 6,028. Quality antenatal care was defined as receipt of recommended ANC services including uptake of recommended pregnancy drugs (e.g. Fansidar and iron supplement); injections (e.g. tetanus injection) and having some samples (e.g. blood and urine sample) and health status indicators (e.g. blood pressure) taken. An index was created from these indicators with scores ranging from 0 to 6. The scores 0 to 5 were labelled as "incomplete" and 6 was labelled as "complete" and this was used to create a dummy variable. In analysing the data, descriptive analysis was done using chi-square test as well as an inferential analysis using bivariate and multivariate models. RESULTS Socio-economic disadvantaged [1.46 (1.09, 1.95), place of residence [2.29 (1.43, 3.67)], frequency of listening to radio [1.58 (1.20, 2.09)], health insurance coverage [3.48 (1.40, 8.64)], getting medical help for self: permission to go [0.53(0.42, 0.69) were seen to have significant relationship with quality of ANC utilized by women during pregnancy. Also, women Mende ethnicity are more likely to utilise quality ANC compared to women from the Temne ethnicity [2.58 (1.79, 3.72)]. CONCLUSION Policy makers could consider measures to boost patronage of quality ANC in Sierra Leone by targeting the socio-economically disadvantaged women. Targeting these sub-groups with pro- maternal and child health (MCH) interventions would help Sierra Leone achieve Goal 3 of the SDGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwamena Sekyi Dickson
- Department of Population and Health, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- Institute of Policy Studies and School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - Mawulorm Akpeke
- Department of Population and Health, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Barbara Elorm Mottey
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Setorwu Adde
- Department of Population and Health, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Kobina Esia-Donkoh
- Department of Population and Health, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nelson JR, Ess RH, Dickerson TT, Gren LH, Benson LS, Manortey SO, Alder SC. Strategies to increase rural maternal utilization of skilled health personnel for childbirth delivery in low- and middle-income countries: a narrative review. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2058170. [PMID: 35506937 PMCID: PMC9090426 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2058170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skilled attendance at birth is considered key to accomplishing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 aimed at reducing maternal mortality. Many maternal deaths can be prevented if a woman receives care by skilled health personnel. Maternal utilization of skilled health delivery services in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries is 70% compared to 90% in urban areas. Previous studies have found community-based interventions may increase rural maternal uptake of skilled health delivery services, but evidence is lacking on which strategies are most effective. OBJECTIVE To review the effectiveness of community-based strategies to increase rural maternal utilization of skilled health personnel for childbirth delivery in low-and middle-income countries. METHODS We conducted a narrative review. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles from database inception through 13 November 2019. Key search terms were pre-determined. Information was extracted on studies meeting our inclusion criteria: cluster and randomized trials, rural setting, reproductive aged women, community engagement, low- and middle-income countries. Studies were considered effective if statistically significant (p < 0.05). A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS Ten cluster randomized trials out of 5,895 candidate citations met the inclusion criteria. Strategies included home-based visits, women's groups, and combined approaches. Out of the ten articles, only three studies were found to significantly increase maternal uptake of skilled health personnel for delivery, and each used a different strategy. The results are inconclusive as to which strategies are most effective. Limitations of this review include heterogeneity and generalizability of studies. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that different strategies may be effective at improving maternal utilization of skilled health personnel for delivery in certain rural settings while ineffective in others. More research is warranted to better understand the context in which strategies may be effective and under what conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette R. Nelson
- Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,CONTACT Jeanette R. Nelson University of Utah, 1655 E. Campus Center Dr., SFEBB 113, Salt Lake City, UT84112-8939, USA
| | - Rebekah H. Ess
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ty T. Dickerson
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lisa H. Gren
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - L. Scott Benson
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Stephen C. Alder
- Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,Ensign Global College, Kpong, Ghana,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine; Departments of Health and Kinesiology and Health Promotion & Education, College of Health; Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, David Eccles School of Business; University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bulndi LB, Ireson D, Adama E, Bayes S. Sub-Saharan African women's views and experiences of risk factors for obstetric fistula: a qualitative systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:680. [PMID: 36057559 PMCID: PMC9440544 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obstetric fistula used as synonymous with VVF in this study, is an abnormal communication/hole between the urinary tract and the genital tract or the gastrointestinal tract and the genital tract, resulting from prolonged obstructed labour. VVF may cause sufferers to experience chronic urinary/faecal incontinence, and the stigma of continuing foul odour. VVF is primarily caused by prolonged obstructed labour, which is brought about by a range of causes. Recently, it has been proposed that women’s groups and fistula survivors should suggest interventions to reduce or prevent the incidence of obstetric fistula. Objective The objective of this review was to synthesise what is reported about women’s views and experiences of the risk factors underlying the causes of VVF. Methods A systematic approach outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence synthesis was followed for this review, articles published since the last 11 years from 2011 to 2021 were selected against several criteria and critically appraised using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for qualitative studies. Results Nine studies were retained for inclusion in this review and the data were then synthesised into five themes: (1) Cultural beliefs and practices impeding safe childbirth, (2) Lack of woman’s autonomy in choices of place to birth safely, (3) Lack of accessibility and social support to safe childbirth, (4) Inexperienced birth attendants and, (5) Delayed emergency maternal care (childbirth). Conclusions This review highlights the complexity of risk factors predisposing women to the known causes of VVF. It also illuminates the absence of women’s voices in the identification of solutions to these risks. Women are most directly affected by VVF. Therefore, their knowledge, views, and experiences should be considered in the development and implementation of strategies to address the issue. Exploring women’s views on this issue would enable the identification of gaps in maternity care provision, which would be of interest to community and health service leaders as well as policymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05013-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Babatunde Bulndi
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia. .,The Centre Evidence Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice; 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA: A JBI Affiliated Group, Joondalup, Australia.
| | - Deborah Ireson
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,The Centre Evidence Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice; 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA: A JBI Affiliated Group, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Esther Adama
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,The Centre Evidence Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice; 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA: A JBI Affiliated Group, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Sara Bayes
- Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,The Centre Evidence Informed Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care Practice; 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA: A JBI Affiliated Group, Joondalup, Australia.,School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine (Melbourne), Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade Fitzroy, Victoria, Melbourne, 3065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alatinga KA, Affah J, Abiiro GA. Why do women attend antenatal care but give birth at home? a qualitative study in a rural Ghanaian District. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261316. [PMID: 34914793 PMCID: PMC8675692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sustainable Development Goal Three has prioritised reducing maternal, under-5 and neonatal mortalities as core global health policy objectives. The place, where expectant mothers choose to deliver their babies has a direct effect on maternal health outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, existing literature has shown that some women attend antenatal care during pregnancy but choose to deliver their babies at home. Using the Andersen and Newman Behavioural Model, this study explored the institutional and socio-cultural factors motivating women to deliver at home after attending antenatal care. METHODS A qualitative, exploratory, cross-sectional design was deployed. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 23 women, who attended antenatal care during pregnancy but delivered their babies at home, 10 health workers and 17 other community-level stakeholders. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS In line with the Andersen and Newman Model, the study discovered that traditional and religious belief systems about marital fidelity and the role of the gods in childbirth, myths about consequences of facility-based delivery, illiteracy, and weak women's autonomy in healthcare decision-making, predisposed women to home delivery. Home delivery was also enabled by inadequate midwives at health facilities, the unfriendly attitude of health workers, hidden charges for facility-based delivery, and long distances to healthcare facilities. The fear of caesarean section, also created the need for women who attended antenatal care to deliver at home. CONCLUSION The study has established that socio-cultural and institutional level factors influenced women's decisions to deliver at home. We recommend a general improvement in the service delivery capacity of health facilities, and the implementation of collaborative educational and women empowerment programmes by stakeholders, to strengthen women's autonomy and reshape existing traditional and religious beliefs facilitating home delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy A. Alatinga
- Department of Community Development, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, SD-Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Affah
- Department of Social Studies, Wa Technical Institute, Wa, Ghana
| | - Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro
- Department of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Department of Health Services, Policy, Planning, Management and Economics, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|