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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Self-reported practices among traditional birth attendants surveyed in western Kenya: a descriptive study

Authors: Sherri Bucher, Olive Konana, Edward Liechty, Ana Garces, Peter Gisore, Irene Marete, Constance Tenge, Evelyn Shipala, Linda Wright, Fabian Esamai

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The high rate of home deliveries conducted by unskilled birth attendants in resource-limited settings is an important global health issue because it is believed to be a significant contributing factor to maternal and newborn mortality. Given the large number of deliveries that are managed by unskilled or traditional birth attendants outside of health facilities, and the fact that there is on-going discussion regarding the role of traditional birth attendants in the maternal newborn health (MNH) service continuum, we sought to ascertain the practices of traditional birth attendants in our catchment area. The findings of this descriptive study might help inform conversations regarding the roles that traditional birth attendants can play in maternal-newborn health care.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was used in a survey that included one hundred unskilled birth attendants in western Kenya. Descriptive statistics were employed.

Results

Inappropriate or outdated practices were reported in relation to some obstetric complications and newborn care. Encouraging results were reported with regard to positive relationships that traditional birth attendants have with their local health facilities. Furthermore, high rates of referral to health facilities was reported for many common obstetric emergencies and similar rates for reporting of pregnancy outcomes to village elders and chiefs.

Conclusions

Potentially harmful or outdated practices with regard to maternal and newborn care among traditional birth attendants in western Kenya were revealed by this study. There were high rates of traditional birth attendant referrals of pregnant mothers with obstetric complications to health facilities. Policy makers may consider re-educating and re-defining the roles and responsibilities of traditional birth attendants in maternal and neonatal health care based on the findings of this survey.
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Metadata
Title
Self-reported practices among traditional birth attendants surveyed in western Kenya: a descriptive study
Authors
Sherri Bucher
Olive Konana
Edward Liechty
Ana Garces
Peter Gisore
Irene Marete
Constance Tenge
Evelyn Shipala
Linda Wright
Fabian Esamai
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1007-8

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