Pregnancy and Labour Care Preferences: Determinants, Labour Outcomes And Perceived Satisfaction with Traditional Birth Attendants Services Among Users in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Inadequate use of childbirth services has continued to contribute to relatively high prevalence of maternal mortality irrespective of the increased antenatal care coverage. This study investigated the Pregnancy and labour care preferences: determinants, labour outcomes and perceived satisfaction with traditional birth attendants (TBAS) services among users in Cross River State. Two research objectives and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The Choice and Habitus theories underpinned the study. The cross sectional descriptive quantitative methods design using a phenomenological approach was used with sequential descriptive survey used to collect data. A sample size of sixty–four women aged 15-49 were used for the study, using snowball and purposive sampling technique based on availability and willingness. Instrument used was the questionnaire. Linear Regression analysis and ANOVA were used for inferential statistics at P < 0.05, while, descriptive data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean and SD.   Findings showed: Proximity, affordability, and attitudes as determinants, while, body massages, and use of herbs are some of the things TBAs do that endeared women to them. On perceived satisfaction with care, the women were generally satisfied with care based on, length of waiting time, relationship with the TBAs, privacy and confidentiality, and outcomes of pregnancy and labour. There was a significant relationship between women’s preference for TBAs and the women’s satisfaction with care (P<0.05).. The study concluded that women’s preference for TBAs is high due to accessibility, affordability and approach to clients. It is recommended that, more skilled personnel should be employed to the rural areas.