Women's negative childbirth experiences and socioeconomic factors: Results from the Babies Born Better survey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between women's socioeconomic status and overall childbirth experience and to explore how women reporting an overall negative birth experience describe their experiences of intrapartum care. METHODS: We used both quantitative and qualitative data from the Babies Born Better (B3) survey version 2, including a total of 8317 women. First, we performed regression analyses to explore the association between women's socioeconomic status and labour and birth experience, and then a thematic analysis of three open-ended questions from women reporting a negative childbirth experience (n = 917). RESULTS: In total 11.7% reported an overall negative labour and birth experience. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of a negative childbirth experience was elevated for women with non-tertiary education, for unemployed, students and not married or cohabiting. Women with lower subjective living standard had an adjusted OR of 1.70 (95% CI 1.44-2.00) for a negative birth experience, compared with those with average subjective living standard. The qualitative analysis generated three themes: 1) Uncompassionate care: lack of sensitivity and empathy, 2) Impersonal care: feeling objectified, and 3) Critical situations: feeling unsafe and loss of control. CONCLUSION: Important socioeconomic disparities in women's childbirth experiences exist even in the Norwegian setting. Women reporting a negative childbirth experience described disrespect and mistreatment as well as experiences of insufficient attention and lack of awareness of individual and emotional needs during childbirth. The study shows that women with lower socioeconomic status are more exposed to these types of experiences during labour and birth. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Women with lower socioeconomic status are more exposed to negative experiences during labour and birth.

Fair compensation and the affective costs for indigenous doulas in Canada: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In Canada, Indigenous doulas, or birth workers, who provide continuous, culturally appropriate perinatal support to Indigenous families, build on a long history of Indigenous birth work to provide accessible care to their underserviced communities, but there is little research on how these doulas organize and administer their services. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2020 with five participants who each represented an Indigenous doula collective in Canada. One interview was conducted in person while the remaining four were conducted over Zoom due to COVID-19. Participants were selected through Internet searches and purposive sampling. Interview transcripts were approved by participants and subsequently coded by the entire research team to identify key themes. RESULTS: One of the five emergent themes in these responses is the issue of fair compensation, which includes two sub-themes: the need for fair payment models and the high cost of affective labour in the context of cultural responsibility and racial discrimination. DISCUSSION: Specifically, participants discuss the challenges and limitations of providing high quality care to families with complex needs and who cannot afford to pay for their services while ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their labour. An additional tension arises from these doulas' sense of cultural responsibility to support their kinship networks during one of the most sacred and vulnerable times in their lives within a colonial context of racism and a Western capitalist economy that financializes and medicalizes birth. CONCLUSION: These Indigenous birth workers regularly expend more affective labour than mainstream non-racialized counterparts yet are often paid less than a living wage. Though there are community-based doula models across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden that serve underrepresented communities, further research needs to be conducted in the Canadian context to determine an equitable, sustainable pay model for community-based Indigenous doulas that is accessible for all Indigenous families.

Associated factors of labor satisfaction and predictor of postnatal satisfaction in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying the factors contributing to maternal satisfaction is a proxy measure to improve the quality of care. It evaluates the health service provision by understanding maternal perceptions and expectations and promoting adherence to health services. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical factors contributing to labor satisfaction among postpartum women and examine the association between labor and postnatal satisfaction. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling in a ratio of 1:5 based on the delivery list in a labor room in a tertiary hospital was applied. Information was obtained from medical records for sociodemographic characteristics and obstetric and medical histories. Face-to-face interviews were performed to obtain responses for Malay versions of the Women's Views of Birth Labour Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Women's Views of Birth Postnatal Satisfaction Questionnaire. Simple and general linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 110 participants responded, accounting for a response rate of 100%. High-risk color codes, the period of gestation, household income, and were significantly associated with maternal satisfaction during labor. The association between labor and postnatal satisfaction was significant. CONCLUSION: Identifying these associated factors and differences may lead to understanding and contributing to specific and targeted strategies for tackling issues related to maternal satisfaction.

Patterns of delivery assistance among adolescent mothers in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the sociodemographic and sociocultural factors associated with the pattern of birth assistance used among adolescent mothers aged 15-19 in Nigeria. DESIGN: The study used a quantitative design, using secondary data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2013. SETTING: The study was nationally representative and conducted across Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS: A weighted sample of 2,096 adolescent mothers aged 15-19. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: Data were analysed using frequencies, chi square tests and multinomial logistic regression respectively. It was discovered that mothers aged 18 and above had lower odds of using traditional and skilled birth attendants (aORs = 0.68 (0.51-0.92); 0.63 (0.44-0.92)); Igbo mothers had lower odds of using TBAs (aOR = 0.03 (0.002-0.53)); and mothers in female-headed households were less likely to use SBAs (aOR = 0.40 (0.20-0.82)). Rich mothers were more likely to use SBAs (aOR = 2.21 (1.23-3.94)). Mothers whose partners had at least primary education were more likely to use SBAs (aOR = 1.73 (1.09-2.73); 1.64 (1.03-2.59)). Adolescent mothers in the North East (aOR = 5.79 (2.91-11.51)), North West (aOR = 8.24 (4.01-16.93)), South East (aOR = 69.70 (13.96-348.05)) and South South (aOR = 27.84(7.80-99.30)) were more likely to use TBAs, while mothers in the North East (aOR = 0.46 (0.28-0.76)) and North West (aOR = 0.50 (0.29-0.84)) were less likely to use SBAs. Mothers who used partial ANC were more likely to use SBAs (aOR = 5.73 (3.43-9.56)), while those who used full ANC were more likely to use SBA (aOR = 7.33 (4.76-11.29)). KEY CONCLUSIONS: Higher socioeconomic status mothers were more likely to use skilled birth attendance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Interventions to increase SBA use among adolescent mothers in Nigeria must consider the continued preference for traditional and unskilled birth attendants and unassisted births, and design culturally sensitive programmes.

The influence of migration on women's use of different aspects of maternity care in the German health care system: Secondary analysis of a comparative prospective study with the Migrant Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire (MFMCQ).

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 21% of Germany's inhabitants or their parents have been born abroad. There is evidence that immigrant women are starting antenatal care later than nonimmigrants. In Berlin, equality in health care access had improved until 2011-2012, leaving only women with Low German language proficiency and an insecure residence status particularly at risk. With the recent influx of refugees, we analyzed whether access to antenatal and postpartum care differs depending on immigration, residence status, income, and education. METHODS: At our Berlin tertiary care center, a modified version of the Migrant Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire was administered to women who delivered in the first half of 2017. Multivariate modeling compared nonimmigrant women, immigrants, and women who are direct descendants of immigrants. RESULTS: The study included 184 nonimmigrant women, 214 immigrant women, and 62 direct descendants of immigrants. Germany is relatively good in prenatal care for immigrant women, as most are getting adequate prenatal care. However, 21% of immigrants compared with 11% of nonimmigrant women started pregnancy care after the first trimester (P = .03). Low income was a more powerful predictor than immigration status for starting prenatal care after the first trimester. Immigrant women (23%) were less informed on postpartum care availability than nonimmigrants (3%) and used less postpartum midwifery care. CONCLUSIONS: When designing health care interventions for immigrant women, not only migration-specific factors should be considered but also low income as a barrier to access to maternity care.

How women are treated during facility-based childbirth in four countries: a cross-sectional study with labour observations and community-based surveys.

BACKGROUND: Women across the world are mistreated during childbirth. We aimed to develop and implement evidence-informed, validated tools to measure mistreatment during childbirth, and report results from a cross-sectional study in four low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS: We prospectively recruited women aged at least 15 years in twelve health facilities (three per country) in Ghana, Guinea, Myanmar, and Nigeria between Sept 19, 2016, and Jan 18, 2018. Continuous observations of labour and childbirth were done from admission up to 2 h post partum. Surveys were administered by interviewers in the community to women up to 8 weeks post partum. Labour observations were not done in Myanmar. Data were collected on sociodemographics, obstetric history, and experiences of mistreatment. FINDINGS: 2016 labour observations and 2672 surveys were done. 838 (41·6%) of 2016 observed women and 945 (35·4%) of 2672 surveyed women experienced physical or verbal abuse, or stigma or discrimination. Physical and verbal abuse peaked 30 min before birth until 15 min after birth (observation). Many women did not consent for episiotomy (observation: 190 [75·1%] of 253; survey: 295 [56·1%] of 526) or caesarean section (observation: 35 [13·4%] of 261; survey: 52 [10·8%] of 483), despite receiving these procedures. 133 (5·0%) of 2672 women or their babies were detained in the facility because they were unable to pay the bill (survey). Younger age (15-19 years) and lack of education were the primary determinants of mistreatment (survey). For example, younger women with no education (odds ratio [OR] 3·6, 95% CI 1·6-8·0) and younger women with some education (OR 1·6, 1·1-2·3) were more likely to experience verbal abuse, compared with older women (≥30 years), adjusting for marital status and parity. INTERPRETATION: More than a third of women experienced mistreatment and were particularly vulnerable around the time of birth. Women who were younger and less educated were most at risk, suggesting inequalities in how women are treated during childbirth. Understanding drivers and structural dimensions of mistreatment, including gender and social inequalities, is essential to ensure that interventions adequately account for the broader context. FUNDING: United States Agency for International Development and the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO.

Perceptions and experiences of labour companionship: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Labour companionship refers to support provided to a woman during labour and childbirth, and may be provided by a partner, family member, friend, doula or healthcare professional. A Cochrane systematic review of interventions by Bohren and colleagues, concluded that having a labour companion improves outcomes for women and babies. The presence of a labour companion is therefore regarded as an important aspect of improving quality of care during labour and childbirth; however implementation of the intervention is not universal. Implementation of labour companionship may be hampered by limited understanding of factors affecting successful implementation across contexts. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the review were to describe and explore the perceptions and experiences of women, partners, community members, healthcare providers and administrators, and other key stakeholders regarding labour companionship; to identify factors affecting successful implementation and sustainability of labour companionship; and to explore how the findings of this review can enhance understanding of the related Cochrane systematic review of interventions. SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and POPLINE K4Health databases for eligible studies from inception to 9 September 2018. There were no language, date or geographic restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies that used qualitative methods for data collection and analysis; focused on women's, partners', family members', doulas', providers', or other relevant stakeholders' perceptions and experiences of labour companionship; and were from any type of health facility in any setting globally. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used a thematic analysis approach for data extraction and synthesis, and assessed the confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach. We used two approaches to integrate qualitative findings with the intervention review findings. We used a logic model to theorise links between elements of the intervention and health and well-being outcomes. We also used a matrix model to compare features of labour companionship identified as important in the qualitative evidence synthesis with the interventions included in the intervention review. MAIN RESULTS: We found 51 studies (52 papers), mostly from high-income countries and mostly describing women's perspectives. We assessed our level of confidence in each finding using the GRADE-CERQual approach. We had high or moderate confidence in many of our findings. Where we only had low or very low confidence in a finding, we have indicated this.Labour companions supported women in four different ways. Companions gave informational support by providing information about childbirth, bridging communication gaps between health workers and women, and facilitating non-pharmacological pain relief. Companions were advocates, which means they spoke up in support of the woman. Companions provided practical support, including encouraging women to move around, providing massage, and holding her hand. Finally, companions gave emotional support, using praise and reassurance to help women feel in control and confident, and providing a continuous physical presence.Women who wanted a companion present during labour and childbirth needed this person to be compassionate and trustworthy. Companionship helped women to have a positive birth experience. Women without a companion could perceive this as a negative birth experience. Women had mixed perspectives about wanting to have a male partner present (low confidence). Generally, men who were labour companions felt that their presence made a positive impact on both themselves (low confidence) and on the relationship with their partner and baby (low confidence), although some felt anxious witnessing labour pain (low confidence). Some male partners felt that they were not well integrated into the care team or decision-making.Doulas often met with women before birth to build rapport and manage expectations. Women could develop close bonds with their doulas (low confidence). Foreign-born women in high-income settings may appreciate support from community-based doulas to receive culturally-competent care (low confidence).Factors affecting implementation included health workers and women not recognising the benefits of companionship, lack of space and privacy, and fearing increased risk of infection (low confidence). Changing policies to allow companionship and addressing gaps between policy and practice were thought to be important (low confidence). Some providers were resistant to or not well trained on how to use companions, and this could lead to conflict. Lay companions were often not integrated into antenatal care, which may cause frustration (low confidence).We compared our findings from this synthesis to the companionship programmes/approaches assessed in Bohren's review of effectiveness. We found that most of these programmes did not appear to address these key features of labour companionship. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We have high or moderate confidence in the evidence contributing to several of these review findings. Further research, especially in low- and middle-income settings and with different cadres of healthcare providers, could strengthen the evidence for low- or very low-confidence findings. Ahead of implementation of labour companionship, researchers and programmers should consider factors that may affect implementation, including training content and timing for providers, women and companions; physical structure of the labour ward; specifying clear roles for companions and providers; integration of companions; and measuring the impact of companionship on women's experiences of care. Implementation research or studies conducted on labour companionship should include a qualitative component to evaluate the process and context of implementation, in order to better interpret results and share findings across contexts.

Redefining perinatal experience: A philosophical exploration of a hypothetical case of gender diversity in labour and birth.

OBJECTIVE AND AIMS: Using a queer phenomenological approach, the objective of this philosophical analysis was to explore the transgender experience in highly gendered clinical areas, such as the birth unit, and make recommendations on how to provide perinatal care that is inclusive of gender diversity within these areas. This study aims to describe a hypothetical clinical experience to provide insight on the institutional barriers that currently exist and to provide nurses and midwives with pragmatic strategies to enhance gender-diverse care in general and gendered clinical areas. BACKGROUND: Currently, general healthcare providers are not sufficiently educated on how to care for and meet the needs of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning and other communities (LGBTQ+). This vulnerable population continually faces stigma, discrimination and marginalisation, which act as barriers to accessing healthcare services. Although transgender people often have difficulty accessing health care in general settings, they experience an even greater challenge within traditionally gendered clinical care areas. DESIGN: Queer phenomenology was used to guide a critical philosophical analysis of hypothetical case reflecting a clinical scenario regarding a transgender man's experience in labour and birth. DISCUSSION: Healthcare professionals often provide insufficient care to transgender persons, inadvertently leading to further marginalisation of this vulnerable population. Special consideration to provide gender-diverse care throughout the perinatal period is needed. Structures and supports are essential to enhance the care from providers in attending to the unique needs of transgender individuals and reduce oppressive effects from heteronormative environments. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses and midwives are leading exemplars of providing person-centred care and are capable of advocating for equitable care amongst all populations to influence systemic change. Strategies for implementing changes that address LGBTQ+ health needs and specific recommendations for providing gender-diverse care in the perinatal settings are discussed.

[The extent of the implementation of reproductive health strategies in Catalonia (Spain) (2008-2017)]. / Alcance de la implementación en Cataluña de las estrategias de salud reproductiva (2008-2017).

OBJECTIVE: We analyse how reproductive health strategies have been incorporated into the everyday activities of the services and the resulting transformation of professional and user practices. METHOD: Cartographic research taking a multi-sited ethnographic approach that seeks to reveal the processes of transformation. Data generation techniques featuring participant observation and situated interviews. Discourse analysis of the text corpus using three analytical axes based on three main lines of action promoted by the strategies. RESULTS: We identified transformations in: 1) demedicalisation: an increase in midwives' know-how and autonomy, changes in episiotomy practice and the facilitation of bonding practices; 2) warmth of care: incorporation of women's needs and expectations and improvements in the comfortableness of birth settings, especially in assistance at physiological birth; and 3) participation: actions that foster shared decision-making and the involvement of the persons accompanying women in labour. CONCLUSIONS: Above all, transformation is visible in the incorporation of new attitudes, sensibilities and practices that have developed around the old structures, especially during physiological childbirth. The more technological areas have been less permeable to change. Risk management in decision-making and addressing diversity are identified as areas where transformation is less evident.

Implementation of a labour companionship model in three public hospitals in Arab middle-income countries.

AIM: To assess the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness and cost of the integration of a tailored labour companionship model in three public hospitals in Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. METHODS: Phased implementation research using mixed methods. Implementation strategies consisted of steering committees in hospitals, seminars for healthcare providers, information, education and communication materials, and adjustments in labour rooms. The labour companionship model consisted of (i) identification of a female relative as labour companion by women; (ii) provision of information, education and communication materials to women and companions; and (iii) allowing companions to accompany women throughout the first stage of labour. Semi-structured interviews with women, labour companions and healthcare providers were used to assess feasibility and acceptability of the model. Effectiveness was assessed through structured interviews with women, information abstracted from medical records and cost data. The comparison was made between the pre-implementation and the implementation phases. RESULTS: This model was found to be feasible, acceptable, effective and cost-beneficial. Women's satisfaction and perception of control improved and caesarean section rates were reduced significantly. CONCLUSION: This model can be adopted for these countries and elsewhere with comparable health systems. It enhances the quality of care and the provision of equitable and respectful maternity services.

Early labour experience questionnaire: Psychometric testing and women's experiences in a Swedish setting.

OBJECTIVE: (a) to psychometrically test the Early Labour Experience Questionnaire (ELEQ) among both primi- and multiparous women giving birth in a Swedish setting, and (b) to describe and compare their experiences during early labour in relation to background characteristics. DESIGN: a cross-sectional study. SETTING: a county in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: primi- and multiparous women with a spontaneous onset of labour after gestational week 37 + 0. In total, n = 1193 women were invited, and n = 754 responded the questionnaire, with a final total of n = 344 primi and n = 410 multiparous women. METHODS: the ELEQ was translated with cross-cultural adaptation. The validity was determined using exploratory factor analysis with principal axis factoring analyses. Reliability was estimated from the internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. The relationship between the questionnaire and the demographic characteristics of the participating women were analysed using ANOVA and t-test. FINDINGS: an explorative factor analysis showed a three-factor solution for primiparas women (SWE-ELEQ-PP) consist of 23 items and a stable factor structure that explained 49.2% of the total variance with sufficient reliability coefficients (0.81-0.86). A four-factor solution for multiparous women (SWE-ELEQ-MP) consist of 22 items, with 52.62% of the total variance explained and with adequate internal consistency reliability coefficients (0.77-0.86) for three factors and relatively low stability (0.62) for the fourth factor with two items. Primiparous women scored significantly higher on items about feeling confused, and significantly lower on some items measuring emotional wellbeing and perceptions of midwifery care compared to multiparous women. Primiparous women with longer early labour (>18 h), scored significantly lower on the perceptions of midwifery care. Primi- and multiparous women who were dissatisfied with their telephone conversation or with not being admitted during early labour, scored significantly lower on emotional wellbeing, higher regarding emotional distress, and significantly lower about perceptions of midwifery care. KEY CONCLUSIONS: the SWE-ELEQ-PP and SWE-ELEQ-MP are considered valid questionnaires for use in a Swedish setting. Differences exist between parity and the factor structure and experiences in early labour vary. Women less content with early labour management decisions rated perceived midwifery care lower regardless of parity. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: the questionnaire can be used to evaluate early labour care in a Swedish setting. The result suggests that differences according to parity exist and should be addressed when managing early labour care and a more individualised approach requires considerations.

Culture, bathing and hydrotherapy in labor: An exploratory descriptive pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Though bathing (hydrotherapy) is widely used during labor to decrease anxiety and pain and to promote relaxation, the influence of cultural beliefs about bathing by parturients is virtually unknown. This pilot study explored pregnant women's experiences of bathing, bathing in labor, and cultural beliefs about bathing. DESIGN: An exploratory, descriptive design. SETTING: Low risk obstetrical clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy Hispanic, Black, White, American-Indian and Asian women (N = 41) at >37 weeks gestation. METHODS: During a routine prenatal visit women responded to a brief openended questionnaire on the use of bathing. Data was captured using a modified ethnographic method involving observation and note taking with thematic analysis and quantification of percent response rates. FINDINGS: Forty-six percent (N = 41) of women used bathing for purposes other than hygiene but only 4.9% (N = 41) of these women bathed during a previous labor. The women described bathing as relaxing, easing, calming, and efficacious for relief of menstrual cramps and labor contractions. Ten percent of women reported cultural beliefs about bathing. CONCLUSIONS: Women who bathe, report relief of anxiety, menstrual and labor pain and promotion of mental and physical relaxation. The findings do not support the view that bathing is associated with identifiable cultural beliefs; rather, they suggest that bathing is a self-care measure used by women. This practice is likely transmitted from generation to generation by female elders through the oral tradition. Assumptions that race or ethnicity precludes the use of bathing may be faulty. Cautionary instructions should be given to pregnant women who are <37 completed weeks of gestation, to avoid bathing for relief of cramping or contractions and to seek immediate health care evaluation. Study of culturally intact groups may uncover additional themes related to bathing in labor and as a self-care measure for dysmenorrhea.

The development of an anxiety assessment scale for pregnant women in labor.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the anxiety level of pregnant women in labor. Methods: This study is a methodological research for developing an Anxiety Assessment Scale for Pregnant Women in Labor (AASPWL) and descriptive research for determining the anxiety level of pregnant women in labor. This study included a total of 269 pregnant women from the delivery room of a training and research hospital between November 2016 and July 2017. The study consists of 2 stages: the first stage includes scale content, construct validity, and reliability; the second stage involves examination of the relationship and effects by establishing a model with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS: Construct validity was established using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach's alpha value was calculated to be 0.77 for the reliability of the developed AASPWL. Conclusion: The AASPWL is a reliable and valid scale that can be used to assess the anxiety level of women in labor.

Nascer no Brasil: the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in delivery care in the South region of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To analyze if the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in the delivery care in the South region of Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of the longitudinal study Nascer no Brasil. We analyzed data from 2,070 women from the South region of Brazil who went into labor. The data were collected between February and August 2011, by interviews and medical records. We performed a bivariate and multivariate analysis, calculating the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS Most women had a companion during labor (51.7%), but few remained during delivery (39.4%) or cesarean section (34.8%). Less than half of the women had access to several recommended practices, while non-recommended practices continue to be performed. In the model adjusted for age, education level, source of payment for the delivery, parity, and score of the Brazilian Association of Market Research Institutes, the presence of a companion was statistically associated with a greater supply of liquids and food (aPR = 1.34), dietary prescription (aPR = 1.34), use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (aPR = 1.37), amniotomy (aPR = 1.10), epidural or spinal analgesia (aPR = 1.84), adoption of non-lithotomy position in the delivery (aPR = 1.77), stay in the same room during labor, delivery, and postpartum (aPR = 1.62), skin-to-skin contact in the delivery (aPR = 1.81) and cesarean section (PR = 2.43), as well as reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (aPR = 0.67), trichotomy (aPR = 0.59), and enema (aPR = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS In the South region of Brazil, most women do not have access to the best practices in addition to undergoing several unnecessary interventions. The presence of a companion is associated with several beneficial practices and the reduction in some interventions, although other interventions are not impacted.

Nascer no Brasil: the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in delivery care in the South region of Brazil / Nascer no Brasil: a presença do acompanhante favorece a aplicação das boas práticas na atenção ao parto na região Sul

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze if the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in the delivery care in the South region of Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of the longitudinal study Nascer no Brasil. We analyzed data from 2,070 women from the South region of Brazil who went into labor. The data were collected between February and August 2011, by interviews and medical records. We performed a bivariate and multivariate analysis, calculating the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS Most women had a companion during labor (51.7%), but few remained during delivery (39.4%) or cesarean section (34.8%). Less than half of the women had access to several recommended practices, while non-recommended practices continue to be performed. In the model adjusted for age, education level, source of payment for the delivery, parity, and score of the Brazilian Association of Market Research Institutes, the presence of a companion was statistically associated with a greater supply of liquids and food (aPR = 1.34), dietary prescription (aPR = 1.34), use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (aPR = 1.37), amniotomy (aPR = 1.10), epidural or spinal analgesia (aPR = 1.84), adoption of non-lithotomy position in the delivery (aPR = 1.77), stay in the same room during labor, delivery, and postpartum (aPR = 1.62), skin-to-skin contact in the delivery (aPR = 1.81) and cesarean section (PR = 2.43), as well as reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (aPR = 0.67), trichotomy (aPR = 0.59), and enema (aPR = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS In the South region of Brazil, most women do not have access to the best practices in addition to undergoing several unnecessary interventions. The presence of a companion is associated with several beneficial practices and the reduction in some interventions, although other interventions are not impacted.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar se a presença do acompanhante favorece a aplicação das boas práticas na atenção ao parto na região Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS Análise transversal do estudo longitudinal Nascer no Brasil. Foram analisados dados de 2.070 mulheres da região Sul que entraram em trabalho de parto. Os dados foram coletados entre fevereiro e agosto de 2011, por meio de entrevista e prontuário. Realizou-se análise bivariada e multivariada, calculando-se razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas por regressão de Poisson com estimação de variância robusta. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS A maioria das mulheres teve o acompanhante durante o trabalho de parto (51,7%), mas poucas permaneceram com ele no parto (39,4%) ou na cesariana (34,8%). Menos da metade das mulheres teve acesso às várias práticas recomendadas, enquanto práticas não recomendadas continuam sendo realizadas. No modelo ajustado por idade, escolaridade, fonte de pagamento do parto, paridade e escore da Associação Brasileira de Institutos de Pesquisa de Mercado, a presença do acompanhante esteve estatisticamente associada à maior oferta de líquidos/alimentos (RPa = 1,34), prescrição de dieta (RPa = 1,34), uso de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor (RPa = 1,37), amniotomia (RPa = 1,10), analgesia peridural ou ráqui (RPa = 1,84), adoção de posição não litotômica no parto (RPa = 1,77), permanência na mesma sala durante o trabalho de parto, parto e pós-parto (RPa = 1,62), contato pele a pele no parto (RPa = 1,81) e na cesariana (RP = 2,43), bem como redução da manobra de Kristeller (RPa = 0,67), tricotomia (RPa = 0,59) e enema (RPa = 0,49). CONCLUSÕES Na região Sul do Brasil, além de sofrer várias intervenções desnecessárias, a maioria das mulheres não têm acesso às boas práticas. A presença do acompanhante está associada a diversas práticas benéficas e à redução de algumas intervenções, embora outras não sofram impacto.

Factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness in Southern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) is a strategy to promote use of skilled maternal and neonatal care so that they can get timely skilled care, particularly during child birth. There is minimal evidence on the factors associated with BP/CR among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the factors influencing BP/CR among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia for the purpose of improving utilization of skilled attendant at birth. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 707 pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia in March 2015. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used. For the quantitative study, the study subjects were included in the study by employing multi-stage sampling. Data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 20. Level of statistical significance was declared at a p- value of <0.05. For the qualitative study, six FGDs were conducted and analyzed based on the thematic areas. RESULT: The prevalence of BP /CR in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda was found to be 30%. The odds of being prepared for birth and its complications was higher among women from high economic class (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.16, 4.54), with frequency of antenatal care(ANC) > = 4 (AOR = 4.52, 95% CI = 2.26, 9.02), who received advice on BP &CR (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.13, 3.01),and who were knowledgeable on labor and delivery(LAD) danger signs (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.44). However, it was lower among women with parity of 2 - 4(AOR = .0.51, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.84) and >4 (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.84) than primiparous women. It was also lower among women from food insecure households (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.42) than their counterparts. Lack of awareness on BP/CR, privacy and respect in health institutions were mentioned by the FGD discussants as barriers to women's preparation for birth. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that BP/CR is inadequate among pregnant women in the study area. Improving socio-economic and food security status of women, strengthening community-based education on complete attendance of ANC, and conforming to professional ethical standards were recommended.

Women's satisfaction and perception of control in childbirth in three Arab countries.

Women's satisfaction and perceived control in childbirth are important attributes of the childbirth experience and quality of care indicators. This article presents findings from the pre-intervention phase of a multi-centre implementation study in Egypt, Lebanon and Syria, to introduce a labour companionship model in these countries. A sample of 2620 women giving birth in three public teaching hospitals from November 2014 to July 2015 in Beirut and Mansoura, and from November 2014 to April 2015 in Damascus were interviewed by trained field workers. Additional information was abstracted from medical charts. An adapted version of the Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale was used to measure women's satisfaction and the shortened version of the Labor Agentry Scale was used to assess perception of control. The total satisfaction score was high in all sites with the lowest being in Egypt. Perceived control was directly related to satisfaction. Women with low education levels had higher levels of childbirth satisfaction. Women who had fewer children from Egypt and Lebanon, and those who received care by a team including both male and female physicians in the Syrian hospital were more likely to be dissatisfied than their counterparts. Variations in the management and provision of care between the three countries may explain the differences in satisfaction levels observed. Further qualitative research is needed to deepen our understanding of the concepts of control and satisfaction in the Arab culture as well as to establish the factors associated with women's positive childbirth experiences to inform the provision of quality maternity care.

Is the policy of allowing a female labor companion feasible in developing countries? Results from a cross sectional study among Sri Lankan practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Companionship during labor is known to have both physical and psychosocial benefits to mother and baby. Sri Lanka made a policy decision to allow a labour companion in 2011. However, implementation has been unsatisfactory. Given the leading role Obstetricians play in the implementation of policy, a study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices among them. METHOD: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among consultant obstetricians working in the state hospitals using the platform 'Survey Monkey'. RESULTS: Out of the 140 consultant obstetricians invited, 68(48.5%) participated. Among the study participants, 40 (58.8%) did not allow labour companions in their wards. Lack of space (n = 32; 80%) and the volume of work in the labor wards (n = 22; 55%) were the commonest reasons for not allowing a companion. Only 16.7% (n = 5) of the obstetricians handling more than 300 deliveries per month allowed a companion (p = 0.001). Less than 50% of the obstetricians were aware of the advantages associated with the practice such as shorter labor, lesser analgesic requirement, higher chances of a normal birth, improved neonatal outcome and reduced requirements for labor augmentation for slow progress of labor. Knowledge on advantages on breast feeding and reduced need of instrumental delivery also remained low. CONCLUSION: In an individual unit, the consultant often decides policy. The study points out the need to improve awareness among the practitioners.

Midwives' and patients' perspectives on disrespect and abuse during labor and delivery care in Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: It is increasingly recognized that disrespect and abuse of women during labor and delivery is a violation of a woman's rights and a deterrent to the use of life-saving, facility-based labor and delivery services. In Ethiopia, rates of skilled birth attendance are still only 28% despite a recent dramatic national scale up in the numbers of trained providers and facilities. Concerns have been raised that womens' perceptions of poor quality of care and fear of mistreatment might contribute to this low utilization. This study examines the experiences of disrespect and abuse in maternal care from the perspectives of both providers and patients. METHODS: We conducted 45 in-depth interviews at four health facilities in Debre Markos, Ethiopia with midwives, midwifery students, and women who had given birth within the past year. Students and providers also took a brief quantitative survey on patients' rights during labor and delivery and responded to clinical scenarios regarding the provision of stigmatized reproductive health services. RESULTS: We find that both health care providers and patients report frequent physical and verbal abuse as well as non-consented care during labor and delivery. Providers report that most abuse is unintended and results from weaknesses in the health system or from medical necessity. We uncovered no evidence of more systematic types of abuse involving detention of patients, bribery, abandonment or ongoing discrimination against particular ethnic groups. Although health care providers showed good basic knowledge of confidentiality, privacy, and consent, training on the principles of responsive and respectful care, and on counseling, is largely absent. Providers indicated that they would welcome related practical instruction. Patient responses suggest that women are aware that their rights are being violated and avoid facilities with reputations for poor care. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that training on respectful care, offered in the professional ethics modules of the national midwifery curriculum, should be strengthened to include greater focus on counseling skills and rapport-building. Our findings also indicate that addressing structural issues around provider workload should complement all interventions to improve midwives' interpersonal interactions with women if Ethiopia is to increase provision of respectful, patient-centered maternity care.