scholarly journals Barriers in health seeking behaviour among tribal pregnant women in a hilly tribal area of Kashmir: a qualitative study

Author(s):  
Nazia Zahoor ◽  
Khalid Bashir ◽  
Zeenat Kausar ◽  
Syed Najmul Ain

Background: Maternal health is of paramount concern all over the world and has been a priority in India as well with the maternal health programs evolving over the time, addressing new arenas and overcoming challenges to reach the Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) target with quality. (1) In tribal areas various barriers in health seeking behavior are impediments towards maternal health.Methods: An explorative qualitative study was undertaken in a tribal area of Srinagar, Kashmir, which is a rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine Government Medical College, Srinagar. Focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the FGD and in-depth interview data.Results: The data analysis generated following five themes: Theme 1: Perceptions and practices among tribal pregnant women in Faqir Gujree area. Theme 2: Socio-cultural influences, attitude and beliefs. Theme 3: Health system related barriers. Theme 4: Community related barriers. Theme 5: Cultural barriers among the pregnant women.Conclusions: There is a need of continuous behaviour change communication (BCC) with pregnant women and community members. In addition to addressing these issues, the health system related issues need to be addressed and improved in order to improve access to health care facilities by these pregnant women. Thus, a comprehensive tribal-sensitive health care system incorporating the above cultural issues is required to improve the health care access among these vulnerable ANC patients.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272199689
Author(s):  
Shewangizaw Hailemariam ◽  
Wubetu Agegnehu ◽  
Misganaw Derese

Introduction: Evidences suggest a significant decline in maternal health service uptake following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Ethiopia. However, COVID-19 related factors impacting the service uptake are not sufficiently addressed. Hence, the current study was intended to explore COVID-19 related factors influencing antenatal care service uptake in rural Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based qualitative study was conducted from September 25/2020 to November 25/2020 among selected pregnant women residing in rural districts of Bench-Sheko Zone, and healthcare providers working in the local health care facilities. Six focus group discussions and 9 in-depth interviews were made between pregnant women, and health care providers, respectively. Data was collected by health education and behavioral science professionals who also have experience in qualitative data collection procedure. Data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically using Open Code 4.0 software. Result: The study revealed several COVID-19 related factors influencing the uptake of antenatal care service during the pandemic. Health facility related barriers, perceived poor quality of care during the pandemic, government measures against COVID-19, anxiety related to the pandemic, and risk minimization were the identified factors possibly influencing the current antenatal care service uptake among women in rural Bench-Sheko Zone. Conclusion: COVID-19 preventive measures, and health facility related factors and individual factors were responsible for the current decline in antenatal care service uptake. Preserving essential health care service is critical to prevent avoidable losses of maternal and child lives during the pandemic period. Hence, programs and strategies designed to maintain maternal health services particularly, antenatal care service have better take the above determinants into consideration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smriti Pant ◽  
Saugat Koirala ◽  
Madhusudan Subedi

Most causes of maternal morbidity and mortality can be prevented by giving prompt, suitable treatment to the women by qualified health practitioners. Maternal health services (MHS), which include antenatal care, delivery care, and postnatal care, can play a crucial role in preventing maternal health problems. The recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a disastrous effect on the health care delivery system of people of all ages, on a global scale but pregnant women face particular challenges. The aim of this review is to assess the effect of COVID-19 on access to MHS. For writing this narrative review, national and international reports on maternal health services during COVID-19, along with journal articles on the related topic were reviewed. Due to this pandemic, women worldwide are facing more barriers to accessing maternal health care, including restrictions, transport challenges, and anxiety over possibly being exposed to coronavirus. Many women preferred not to seek healthcare due to the fear of themselves being infected with the virus or transmitting it to their unborn babies. Additionally, movement restriction has made it difficult for many pregnant women to reach health care facilities. Even those who managed to reach health facilities have reported not receiving timely care. As a result, a considerable rise in maternal mortality globally has been estimated over the next six months. Despite the circumstances, efforts have been made to boost maternal health in both developed and developing countries. This pandemic has highlighted the importance of health preparedness with special attention given to vulnerable people like pregnant women and newborns while planning for such events. Keywords: Childbirth, COVID19, Maternal Health, Pandemic, Pregnancy, Women’s health


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thecla W. Kohi ◽  
Jasintha S. Boniphace ◽  
Justine Dol

Abstract Background : Most maternal deaths are preventable if a woman is able to identity danger signs and seek obstetric health care without delay. However, lack of knowledge on obstetric danger signs and a prolonged decision-making process at family level may contribute to the high maternal mortality. Currently, there is little known on how the process of decision-making at family level in seeking obstetric care is being made in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the process on decision-making at family level in seeking maternal health care during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period in the Geita Region, Tanzania. Methods : A qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted at Chato District Hospital in the Geita Region with seven fathers and seven mothers who were attending the Reproductive Child Health Clinic.Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling and interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from this study, including recognition of danger signs, decision-making process, and perceived influencers for seeking maternal health care. Almost all participants were aware of obstetric danger signs, yet some gaps remained among husbands. The process of decision-making starts with the woman herself who then communicates to others for discussion but the final decision-making in seeking care is dominated by husbands, parents, or neighbors, rather than mothers alone. Observing danger signs and perceived quality of care available from the health facilities were the most predominate influencers for seeking maternal health care. Conclusion: While the process of decision-making in every family starts with the woman herself, others are consulted for discussion prior to reaching a decision about seeking maternal health care, resulting in delays in accessing care. It is positive that most of the decision makers had good understanding of obstetric danger signs and that observation of those danger signs encourage access of maternal health care. However, continued education on obstetric danger signs in the community is needed as well as quality care needs to be available and known to be provided at health care facilities to encourage early seeking of maternal health care. Keywords : maternal health; decision-making; Tanzania


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratna Savitri Sulistyo

The role of traditional birth attendants a few years ago was to help and care for mothers from the time of pregnancy until the puerperium was completed, including assisting during childbirth. However, since the issuance of Minister of Health Regulation No. 97/2014 which stipulates that childbirth must be carried out in health care facilities, TBAs no longer play a role in the labor process. This study aims to find out more about the role of TBAs in educating mothers during pregnancy and postpartum in Todanan Sub-district. This research is a qualitative study with an interview and record method approach conducted in Dalangan Village, Todanan Subdistrict, Blora Regency. The subjects in this study were a TBA who was still actively working. From this study, it can be seen that although TBAs have no role in the childbirth process, the dukun still has several roles in the education of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. To pregnant women, TBAs provide education about hygiene and breastfeeding preparation and anticipate unwanted problems before childbirth. After childbirth, the TBA is in charge of bathing the baby, doing massage, and shaving the baby's hair. In carrying out these tasks, TBAs provide education about mother and baby hygiene, how to breastfeed, and about immunization. Through this research, it is expected that the public's insight, especially women, will be more open about the duties of TBAs in educating pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. This study also contributed to giving consideration to patients and midwives in collaborating with TBAs.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260583
Author(s):  
Jovana Alexandra Ocampo Cañas ◽  
Maria Janeth Pinilla Alfonso ◽  
Clemencia del Pilar Navarro Plazas ◽  
Carlos Mauricio Mejia Arbelaez ◽  
Jhon Sebastián Patiño Rueda

Background In February 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the epidemic of the ZIKA virus (ZIKV) in Latin America to be a public health emergency. In Colombia, 11,944 pregnant women registered a ZIKV infection during the epidemic. So far, little is known about the experiences of women infected with ZIKV during their pregnancy, especially those relating to the provision of health services during the period of the epidemic. Objective To explore the experiences of pregnant women diagnosed with ZIKV infection about the provision of health services in two Colombian cities, considering the perspective of sexual and reproductive rights. Methods Qualitative study under the grounded theory approach, which uses semi-structured interviews as tools to explore the biographical experience of mothers during their gestation process and ZIKV infection, dividing the interview into two broad categories: before and during pregnancy. Results Twenty-two women were interviewed, 10 in Cali and 12 in Villavicencio. The average age at the time of pregnancy was 27.6 years. Most women were not planning at the time of pregnancy and the pregnancy was unwanted. Most campaigns focused on mosquito eradication rather than on sexual and reproductive health campaigns. The quality of health care was not sufficient, adequate, or appropriate. Also, the breakdown of the health system to deal with the pandemic was also noted. Some women were treated with disrespect by health professionals. Voluntary termination of pregnancy was inadequately advised, and women lost autonomy regarding decisions about their health. Conclusions In the health care of ZIKV epidemics, it is necessary to include the gender perspective, more specifically, sexual and reproductive rights. In addition, these epidemics must be addressed through a comprehensive, appropriate, and not fragmented health system, in which sexual and reproductive rights must be mainstreamed in all health promotion and prevention programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-173
Author(s):  
Ranjit Kumar Dehury

Introduction: There are still large number of maternal deaths in India nearing up to 50,000 deaths in a year which is one sixth of the world in recent years. Odisha (India) is also not performing well in maternal health care management despite its commitment in MDG and SDG. Odisha constitute 23% of tribal population, where the maternal mortality is very high and difficult to provide health services, particularly maternal health services. The study aims to assess provision of necessary health services for pregnant women in an inaccessible tribal pockets. Methods: The study was conducted in Balasore district, Odisha (India) where a sizable population is consisting of various indigenous tribes, particularly in some blocks. The Parijata tool was used to assess various health care facilities which was developed by UNICEF and ARTH, Rajasthan. By this, availability of basic things like manpower, drugs and consumables are assessed along with laid down clinical practices and procedures. Results: The study found that there is lack of provisioning of health services in healthcare facilities. Both District hospital at Balasore and Sub-district hospitals lack basic services recommended by WHO for taking care of women. Further, the effort of government to implement a uniform program across the state hinder the tailoring of services for tribal pockets. Conclusion: The study provides remedial measures for improving the role and functioning of grass roots workers, integrating indigenous medicine with biomedicine, and revamping health information system to incorporate cultural features, thereby improving its utilization in the study area. The study raised critical issues about potential of maternal health program to deliver effective care of pregnant women in tribal dominated areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 569-575
Author(s):  
Lucia Drigo ◽  
Masane Luvhengo ◽  
Rachel T. Lebese ◽  
Lufuno Makhado

Background: Pregnant woman’s personal experience of antenatal care services can either be positive or negative; however, knowledge and experience appear to be of paramount importance in shaping their attitudes towards any healthcare-related services. This implies that women's experience of antenatal care services may affect their decision for seeking antenatal care in their present pregnancy, which can lead them to delay seeking care. Purpose: This study sought to explore the attitudes of pregnant women towards antenatal care services provided in primary health care facilities of Mbombela Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive study design was used for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample pregnant women who fail to attend antenatal services as expected. Data were collected through face to face unstructured in-depth interview. A total of eighteen pregnant women participated in the study until data saturation. Data were analysed using Tech’s method of analysis. Results: Results revealed the following theme and sub-themes: Attitudes of pregnant women related to individual perceptions, perceived barriers to utilizing antenatal care services,’ attitudes of healthcare providers, long waiting times in healthcare facilities, lack privacy and confidentiality in healthcare facilities and attitudes of pregnant women related to attendance of antenatal services. Conclusion: Attitudes of pregnant women about antenatal care are shaped by their knowledge and previous encounters with the health care services that they had previously received. It is therefore important to provide women-friendly services. It is recommended that health education regarding the importance of antenatal care services must be given to all women daily in the waiting areas of each primary health care facilities, thus, the healthcare providers should promote the active participation of pregnant women during the health education sessions and provide opportunities to ask questions.


Author(s):  
Shahzadi Mahmuda ◽  

Maternal health service had a potentially critical role in the improvement of reproductive health. This descriptive study was carried out in Tangail district, from 1st January to 31st December, 2019 to find out the quality of counselling of services for pregnant women in community clinics during pregnancy period. Data were collected among 289 respondents by face to face interview who had delivered within last 24 months and respondents were selected purposively. The majority (97.6%) of the respondents were housewife and maximum (72%) of the respondent were below SSC in this study monthly family income mean was taka 16124.00± 10065.480. Majority of the respondents (99.2%) had received antenatal check-up from different health care facilities and highest (87.2%) had received from the community clinic other hands (6.0%) pregnant women got antenatal care from non-government hospital among 250 respondents (94.0%) pregnant women received ANC from CHCP also (4%) pregnant women received ANC from HA. Out of 250 pregnant women (70%) of the respondents were problem suffer during pregnancy. Here majority (59.6%) pregnant women were suffer from nausea and vomiting and only (6.3%) were suffering from constipation. Majority (89.2%) of the respondents had preparation about danger sign during pregnancy. Most 245 (98%) of the respondents of pregnant women had information about ANC and most (85.7%) got information from CHCF on other hand ride got information (2.9%) from neighbour. half (4.8%) of the respondents choice of conduct delivery at upazila health complex followed by (48.8%) only choice of conduct clinics. Most (98%) of the respondents had received TT vaccine and maximum (95.1%) of the respondents had completed TT vaccine. Enough skilled manpower for patient care (98.4%). Health care provider perform ANC check-up (96.8%). Health care provider counselling during pregnancy (96.4%) physical examination (98.0%) explanation of health. (99.2%) health care provider give any advice before departure (70.4%). Continue to follow-up health status over phone (99.2%). Service providers in health care shows that 33.3% was BSc/BA, 42.9% of service providers were masters and above their professional training more than one third (38.1%) of the providers has basic training, 47.6% had basic & CSBA and rest 14.3% had ECT and nutritional training. Majority 100% of the provider’s designation had CHCP, number of staff in two health care had more than half (57.1%) providers.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manesh Muraleedharan ◽  
Alaka Omprakash Chandak

PurposeThe substantial increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is considered a major threat to developing countries. According to various international organizations and researchers, Kerala is reputed to have the best health system in India. However, many economists and health-care experts have discussed the risks embedded in the asymmetrical developmental pattern of the state, considering its high health-care and human development index and low economic growth. This study, a scoping review, aims to explore four major health economic issues related to the Kerala health system.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the literature was performed using PRISMA to facilitate selection, sampling and analysis. Qualitative data were collected for thematic content analysis.FindingsChronic diseases in a significant proportion of the population, low compliance with emergency medical systems, high health-care costs and poor health insurance coverage were observed in the Kerala community.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study was undertaken to determine the scope for future research on Kerala's health system. Based on the study findings, a structured health economic survey is being conducted and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. In addition, the scope for future research on Kerala's health system includes: (1) research on pathways to address root causes of NCDs in the state, (2) determine socio-economic and health system factors that shape health-seeking behavior of the Kerala community, (3) evaluation of regional differences in health system performance within the state, (4) causes of high out-of-pocket expenditure within the state.Originality/valueGiven the internationally recognized standard of Kerala's vital statistics and health system, this review paper highlights some of the challenges encountered to elicit future research that contributes to the continuous development of health systems in Kerala.


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