Experiences and beliefs of Malawian women who have delivered with a traditional birth attendant

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015 Apr;129(1):38-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.11.006. Epub 2015 Jan 6.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the beliefs and experiences of Malawian women who have delivered with a traditional birth attendant (TBA).

Methods: In a qualitative study, 20 face-to-face in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted between February and May 2013. Women aged 18 years or older and who had a history of delivery with a TBA were recruited from three health centers in Lilongwe District. Their responses were independently coded, and content analysis was used to develop themes and subthemes.

Results: A total of 46 women participated. Most participants cited difficulties relating to transport and/or unsupportive or unavailable husbands as factors that prohibited their delivery at a health facility. Most had not had a specific delivery plan. The participant responses indicated a discordance between knowledge and practices for safe delivery.

Conclusion: Strategies to decrease deliveries with TBAs should focus on helping women to develop delivery plans to cope with the potential social or situational obstacles of getting to a facility. Women desire health facilities that provide quality care, emotional support, and personalized care during labor and delivery.

Keywords: Barriers to care; Malawi; Pregnancy; Quality of care; Traditional birth attendants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods
  • Delivery, Obstetric / psychology*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Facilities / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Home Childbirth / methods
  • Home Childbirth / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Malawi
  • Midwifery*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care / psychology
  • Qualitative Research
  • Young Adult