scholarly journals TRADITION PATTERNS OF ANTENATAL CARE AND MATERNAL HEALTH IN MAMFE: UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTOR OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN RURAL CAMEROON

Author(s):  
Ndoh Lawrence Nkwain ◽  
Aziamin Asongu Norah ◽  
Celestine Arreytta

From the case study of Mamfe, this research has been tailored to highlight and examine the influence of traditional patterns of antenatal care on maternal morbidity and mortality in rural Cameroon. The country is one of the underachievers of the MDGs with strong socio-cultural attachment and a consequential high reliance on traditional patterns for antenatal care. Understanding the influence of this reliance gives a more complete view of the socio-cultural factor critical towards underlining the underlying determinants of maternal deaths. The rationales behind most traditional antenatal beliefs and practices, some of which have been highlighted in this work, scarcely correspond to the biomedical norms for useful maternal healthcare. They reportedly fulfill more superior and collective purposes that understandably prevail over maternal health. Non-respect for these traditional imperatives puts transgressors at odds with the community. Given their understandable vulnerability during pregnancy, expectant women are therefore predisposed to a higher risk of complications and death. The research was both cross-sectional and exploratory, constructed on a qualitative design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to constitute a sample size of 140 participants. Research techniques employed included in-depth interviews, FGDs and direct observation. We discovered that expectant women widely attended conventional antenatal consultations but were rigorously constraint to respect and adhere to beliefs and practices for traditional maternal care. As such widespread facility-based deliveries in rural settings heralded as the ideal solution by many does not necessarily limit the influence of the socio-cultural factor on MMR. KEY WORDS: rural Cameroon, traditional patterns, influence, antenatal care, maternal mortality

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabeta Seeiso ◽  
Mamutle M. Todd-Maja

Antenatal care (ANC) literacy is particularly important for pregnant women who need to make appropriate decisions for care during their pregnancy and childbirth. The link between inadequate health literacy on the educational components of ANC and maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is undisputable. Yet, little is known about the ANC literacy of pregnant women in SSA, with most studies inadequately assessing the four critical components of ANC literacy recommended by the World Health Organization, namely danger signs in pregnancy; true signs of labour; nutrition; and preparedness for childbirth. Lesotho, a country with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in SSA, is also underexplored in this research area. This cross-sectional study explored the levels of ANC literacy and the associated factors in 451 purposively sampled women in two districts in Lesotho using a structured questionnaire, making recourse to statistical principles. Overall, 16.4 per cent of the participants had grossly inadequate ANC literacy, while 79.8 per cent had marginal levels of such knowledge. The geographic location and level of education were the most significant predictors of ANC literacy, with the latter variable further subjected to post hoc margins test with the Bonferroni correction. The participants had the lowest scores on knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy and true signs of labour. Adequate ANC literacy is critical to reducing maternal mortality in Lesotho. Improving access to ANC education, particularly in rural areas, is recommended. This study also provides important recommendations critical to informing the national midwifery curriculum.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Coretta M.P. Jonah

The gap in maternal health outcomes, access and utilization between the haves and have-nots continues to be a challenge globally despite improvements over the past decade. Though Ghana has experienced steady gains in maternal health access and utilization over the years, maternal outcomes, on the other hand, remain poor. In this regard, it is essential to know how various groups in the population achieved improvements and whether some women continue to be disproportionately disadvantaged. The paper performs an analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2017 Ghana maternal health survey to examine the existence of the inverse care law in maternal health services in Ghana. Using descriptive techniques and multivariate logistic regression models the study reveals a pro-rich and pro-urban gradient in the use of hospital facilities for delivery and antenatal care attendance — also, regions known for their high levels of poverty feature significantly lower rates of hospital deliveries. The paper concludes by stressing that unless policies are changed to accommodate these groups, overall gains in maternal health will continue to be incremental.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e036211
Author(s):  
Clara C Natai ◽  
Neema Gervas ◽  
Frybert M Sikira ◽  
Beatrice J Leyaro ◽  
Juma Mfanga ◽  
...  

BackgroundMale involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is among interventions to improve maternal health. Globally male involvement in ANC is low and varies in low-income and middle-income countries including Tanzania where most maternal deaths occur. In Sub-Sahara, men are chief decision makers and highly influence maternal health. In Tanzania information is limited regarding influence of male involvement during ANC on utilisation of maternal health services.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of male involvement during ANC on use of maternal health services in Mwanza, Tanzania.DesignA cross-sectional study conducted from June to July 2019.SettingThis study was conducted at seven randomly selected health facilities providing reproductive, maternal and child health (RCH) services in Mwanza City.ParticipantsIncluded 430 postpartum women who delivered 1 year prior to the study and attending for RCH services (growth monitoring, vaccination, postpartum care).Outcome measures4 or more ANC visits, skilled birth attendant (SBA) use during childbirth and postnatal care (PNC) utilisation 48 hours after delivery.MethodsInterviews and observation of the women’s ANC card were used to collect data. Data was entered, cleaned and analysed by SPSS.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 25.7 years. Of 430 women, 54.4% reported their partners attended ANC at least once, 69.7% reported they attended for four or more ANC visits during last pregnancy, 95% used SBAs during childbirth and 9.2% attended PNC within 48 hours after delivery. Male involvement during ANC was significantly associated with four or more ANC visits (Crude Odds Ratio (COR): 1.90; 95% CI: 1.08–3.35) but not with SBA use or PNC utilisation.ConclusionMale involvement in ANC is still low in Mwanza, as 46% of the partners had not attended with partners at ANC. Alternative strategies are needed to improve participation. Studies among men are required to explore the barriers of participation in overall RCH services.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nyasiro Sophia Gibore ◽  
Ainory Peter Gesase

Abstract Promoting men’s involvement in antenatal care (ANC) requires an understanding of their views on how they ought to be involved. Their involvement in ANC services can help in reducing delay in deciding to seek care and facilitate women’s access to skilled antenatal services. This study sought to determine men’s views and knowledge on, and challenges to, involvement in ANC services in Tanzania. The cross-sectional study was carried out in four districts of Dodoma Region in November 2014 and June 2016. A multi-stage sampling strategy was used to select the study respondents. Data were collected by interviewing 966 men using a structured questionnaire. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between men’s involvement in ANC services and their background characteristics. About 63.4% of respondents accompanied their partners to ANC services. Men’s view was that they can be involved through accompanying their partner to ANC clinics and providing money for health services. Men who had poor knowledge on ANC services were two times less likely to be involved in ANC services. Similarly, long waiting times at the antenatal clinics decreased the likelihood of service utilization by their partners. Men from a two-income household were more likely to be involved in ANC services than men from households where the men’s earnings were the only source of income. Challenges encountered by men during attendance at ANC services included: perception of antenatal clinics as places only for women, financial difficulties, influence of peer pressure and lack of time due to occupational demands. There is a need to establish community outreach ANC services that offer couple-friendly services in Tanzania. Also, it is crucial to have a policy for men’s involvement in maternal health care that addresses cultural practices that hinder men’s involvement in ANC services.


Author(s):  
Nitin A. Lodha

Background: Antenatal care is the care of a woman during pregnancy. The primary aim of antenatal care is to achieve at the end of pregnancy a healthy mother and a healthy baby. To improve maternal health, barriers which limit access to quality maternal health services must be identified and addressed at all levels of health system. Objectives were to determine demographic and obstetric factors affecting utilization of ANC service and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women.Methods: This is cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in tertiary care hospital, using structured questionnaire, interviews were conducted with married pregnant women age between 18-45 years, who visited ANC clinic. Total 170 pregnant women visited hospital during a period was included in study. Data was analysed using MS excel and Epi info. Chi –square test was applied.Results: Maximum number of study subjects (42.9%) from age 23-27 years. 66.5% were Hindu, 56.5% study subjects from joint family. 14.7% were illiterate. 45.3% were primigravida, 54.7% were multigravida. 71.1% study subjects were from third trimester of pregnancy. 94.7% were taken at least one dose of Tetanus Toxoids. Iron folic acid tablets were taken by 87.6%. Prevalence of anaemia was 55.8%.Conclusions: Majority of pregnant women came for antenatal check-up, but regularity was not seen in most of cases. The presence study has brought out no significant socio-cultural barrier like women’s literacy, socio economic class and parity of women affecting the utilization of services.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-118
Author(s):  
Serawati Dewi ◽  
Yuni Romalita ◽  
Yusriani Yusriani ◽  
Muhammad Khidri Alwi

Latar belakang: Angka Kematian Ibu (AKI) merupakan salah satu indikator pembangunan kesehatan di Indonesia. Upaya percepatan penurunan AKI dapat dilakukan dengan menjamin agar setiap ibu mampu mengakses pelayanan kesehatan ibu hamil yang berkualitas. Apabila antenatal care dimanfaatkan dengan baik maka kesehatan ibu dapat terpantau secara berkesinambungan dari masa kehamilan sampai dengan persalinan. Metode: Desain penelitian adalah kuantitatif dengan rancangan cross sectional study. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah semua ibu yang memiliki bayi usia 0-11 bulan di Kabupaten Gowa sebanyak 122 orang. Sampel sebanyak 93 orang diambil dengan menggunakan teknik accidental sampling, besar sampel ditentukan dengan menggunakan rumus Slovin Hasil: Persepsi ibu hamil terhadap peran petugas kesehatan dalam pelayanan antenatal berdasarkan pengorbanan moneter tidak menunjukkan korelasi. Ibu hamil yang memiliki persepsi pengorbanan moneter kecil dan mengatakan peran petugas kesehatan kurang dalam pelayanan antenatal sebanyak 90,0%. Ibu hamil yang memiliki persepsi pengorbanan moneter sangat kecil dan mengatakan peran petugas kesehatan kurang sebanyak 83.1%. Sedangkan persepsi pengorbanan waktu menunjukkan adanya korelasi dengan peran petugas kesehatan dalam pelayanan antenatal. Ibu hamil yang memiliki persepsi pengorbanan waktu besar dan mengatakan peran petugas kesehatan kurang dalam pelayanan antenatal sebanyak 100%. Ibu hamil yang memiliki persepsi pengorbanan moneter besar dan mengatakan peran petugas kesehatan kurang dalam pelayanan antenatal sebanyak 90.2%. Kesimpulan: Persepsi ibu hamil terhadap peran petugas kesehatan dalam pelayanan antenatal berdasarkan pengorbanan moneter tidak menunjukkan korelasi sedangkan berdasarkan pengorbanan waktu menunjukkan ada korelasi. Perlu meningkatkan kecepatan proses pelayanan pemeriksaan kehamilan pada ibu hamil oleh tenaga kesehatan. Kata kunci: Pelayanan antenatal, Ibu Hamil, Pengorbanan, Waktu, Moneter   Abstract Background: Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is one indicator of health development in Indonesia. Efforts to accelerate the reduction of MMR can be done by ensuring that every mother is able to access quality maternal health services. If antenatal care is utilized properly, maternal health can be monitored continuously from pregnancy to delivery. Methods: The study design was quantitative with a cross sectional study design. The population in this study were all pregnant women who had a gestational age of 7 to 9 months in Gowa Regency as many as 122 people. A sample of 93 people was taken using accidental sampling technique, the sample size was determined using the Slovin formula. Results: Perception of pregnant women towards the role of health workers in antenatal care based on monetary sacrifice did not show a correlation. Pregnant women who have a perception of small monetary sacrifice and say the role of health workers is lacking in antenatal care are 90.0%. Pregnant women who have a perception of monetary sacrifice are very small and say the role of health workers is less as much as 83.1%. While the perception of sacrifice of time shows a correlation with the role of health workers in antenatal care. Pregnant women who have the perception of sacrifice of big time and say the role of health workers lacking in antenatal care as much as 100%. Pregnant women who have a perception of great monetary sacrifice and say the role of health workers is lacking in antenatal care are 90.2%. Conclusion: Perception of pregnant women towards the role of health workers in antenatal care based on monetary sacrifice does not show correlation while based on time sacrifice shows there is correlation. Need to increase the speed of the process of pregnancy examination services for pregnant women by health workers. Keywords: Antenatal care, Pregnant Women, Sacrifice, Time, Monetary


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233339281983513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achamyelesh Gebretsadik ◽  
Million Teshome ◽  
Mekdes Mekonnen ◽  
Akalewold Alemayehu ◽  
Yusuf Haji

Background: Health extension workers (HEWs) are primarily been assigned in rural areas of Ethiopia to provide maternal and child health services. Few studies have been done to investigate HEWs’ contributions towards maternal health services. This study describes HEWs involvement in the utilization of focused antenatal care (FANC). Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 21 and February 4, 2017. Mothers (2300) who gave birth in the last 6 months (0-6 months) in randomly selected 30 kebeles in the rural Sidama zone, participated in the study. A face-to-face interview was done using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Saving Newborn Lives Program. The main outcome variable was FANC utilization. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used using SPSS statistical software. Results: The FANC was used by 525 (24.36%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5%-26.2%) women. Health extension workers accounted for 244 (46.47%; 95% CI: 43.5-47.7%) of mothers. The FANC utilization was less likely among those who were illiterate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: .32; 95% CI: .18-.57) and those who attended first cycle (AOR: .41; 95% CI: .23-.74), those who attended secondary cycle (AOR: .47; 95% CI: .27-.82), primipara (AOR: 0.53; 95% CI: .35-.83), and those who gave birth at home (AOR: .66; 95% CI: .51-.84). Mothers who had knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (AOR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.2-1.7) and exposure to mass media (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.1-1.66) were more likely to utilize FANC. Conclusions: FANC utilization in this study was low compared to other studies. The HEWs had a major contribution to the services. However, it is low when compared to the plan set by the state ministry of health. The existing health extension program could be strengthened by increasing the number of HEWs. Empowering rural mothers through continuous education program to enhance the utilization of maternal health services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. e25-e34
Author(s):  
Jacoline Sommer Albert ◽  
Ahtisham Younas ◽  
Gideon Victor

The global adult lifetime risk of maternal mortality is 1 in 180; in Pakistan, it is 1 in 170; in developed regions, 1 in 4,900 (Alkema et al., 2016; Filippi, Chou, Ronsmans, Graham, & Say, 2016; World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). The differences in maternal mortality between developed and developing countries are mainly due to the quality of antenatal care (ANC) available in the two groups of countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the structural and procedural quality of ANC services provided and to assess satisfaction levels of women receiving ANC services in two large hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the hospitals' outpatient maternal and child health clinics, with a random sample of 138 women. The overall quality of ANC was rated as good (61%), average (17.5%), or poor (17.5%). The findings suggest a need to cultivate quality of care at public health facilities, train health workers in communication skills, and build technical capacity by continuing education and supportive supervision to train health-care providers to follow standard protocols for provision of quality ANC services.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Laxmi Subedi ◽  
Ram Bilakshan Sah ◽  
Mohan Chandra Regmi

Background: Antenatal care has proven to be an effective way to reduce maternal mortality and save the life of newborn. Nepal also follows the World Health Organization’s recommendations of initiation of four antenatal care visits that has helped in decreasing the maternal mortality of the country. Still, the country has to do a lot in improving the antenatal care provision.Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the antenatal care practices among the women with children less than five years of age in a district of eastern Nepal.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Aurabani village of Sunsari district. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from 15th January to 30th January, 2015. Data of 100 women having children less than five years of age were collected and analyzed in descriptive and inferential ways.Results: Women with nuclear family are more likely to have antenatal care visits (73.8%) compared to women with joint family (66.7%). The study showed that attendance of antenatal care visits among the educated women was higher (71.8%) than those illiterate (66.7%). In the study, 84.8% of women of primi-gravida completed antenatal care visit which was significantly higher than women with multi gravida (59.3%) (p <0.05). Further, 83.1% of respondents who completed tetanus toxoid injections had not walked <30 meters distance for health services which was significantly higher than those walking >30 meters distance (52.9%). An almost similar trend was found among pregnant women taking iron tablets and vitamin A. Furthermore, walking distance shows stronger association with women taking albendazole during pregnancy (p <0.001).Conclusion: A large percentage of women completed all four recommended antenatal visits. Women and their husbands who were educated placed high importance on antenatal visits. Gravida of the pregnancy was also related to the antenatal care visit. High number of primi-gravida women completed antenatal care visits than women with multigravida. Use of medicines like iron tablets, albendazole tablets, vitamin A and tetanus toxoid injection was directly related with the walking distance to the health center.Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 5, No. 3, Issue 17, Jul.-Sep., 2016, page: 89-94


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