Olubunmi A Ojelade1, Musibau A Titiloye1, Meghan A Bohren2, Akinpelu O Olutayo3, Adebimpe A Olalere1, Adesina Akintan4, Olufemi T Oladapo2, Bukola Fawole5. 1. Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. 2. UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland. 3. Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. 4. Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Maternal and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To improve women's childbirth experiences in health facilities, their psychosocial and communication needs have to be met. However, what constitutes these specific needs is poorly understood, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explores women's needs for communication and emotional support during facility-based childbirth. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted in a large referral maternity hospital and its catchment communities in Akure, Nigeria. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among women of reproductive age, midwives, doctors, and facility administrators. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings, and then interpreted within the context of this study and existing quality of care framework. RESULTS: Forty-two IDIs and 10 FGDs are included in this analysis. Participants reported such needs as communication in simple words in local language by healthcare staff, having their husbands as birth companions, spiritual support, and prayers from family members and healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: To increase, improve, and sustain facility-based childbirth in Nigeria, health systems should appreciate the uniqueness and importance of each woman's needs during childbirth. Practical and sustainable actions should be taken to meet these needs, within the confines of the acceptable sociocultural norms.
OBJECTIVE: To improve women's childbirth experiences in health facilities, their psychosocial and communication needs have to be met. However, what constitutes these specific needs is poorly understood, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explores women's needs for communication and emotional support during facility-based childbirth. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted in a large referral maternity hospital and its catchment communities in Akure, Nigeria. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among women of reproductive age, midwives, doctors, and facility administrators. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings, and then interpreted within the context of this study and existing quality of care framework. RESULTS: Forty-two IDIs and 10 FGDs are included in this analysis. Participants reported such needs as communication in simple words in local language by healthcare staff, having their husbands as birth companions, spiritual support, and prayers from family members and healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: To increase, improve, and sustain facility-based childbirth in Nigeria, health systems should appreciate the uniqueness and importance of each woman's needs during childbirth. Practical and sustainable actions should be taken to meet these needs, within the confines of the acceptable sociocultural norms.
Authors: Janet Perkins; Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman; Shema Mhajabin; Abu Bakkar Siddique; Tapas Mazumder; Mohammad Rifat Haider; Shams El Arifeen Journal: Sex Reprod Health Matters Date: 2019-12