Trends in the utilisation of skilled birth attendance among pregnant women in Benin, from 2001 to 2017-2018, and projections to 2030.

BACKGROUND: Skilled birth attendance during childbirth is known to promote better pregnancy outcomes as well as contribute to maternal and newborn survival. The study aimed to analyse the progress in the use of skilled birth attendance by pregnant women over the last two decades (2001 to 2017-2018) in Benin, and then to make projections to 2030. METHODS: A secondary analysis was made using Benin's Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) databases. The study population were i) women of 15-49 years of age who were successfully surveyed and usually resided in the households visited during DHS-II, DHS-III, DHS-IV and DHS-V, ii) and had had at least one live birth in the five years preceding each of these surveys. For each DHS, the corresponding proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel was determined. The study then generated the Annual Percent Change (APC) between each survey and globally, and projections were made to 2030. RESULTS: Nationally, the percentage of women who gave birth attended by skilled health personnel was 67.39% in 2001, 76.10% in 2006, 80.87% in 2011-2012, and 79.12% in 2017-2018; this represents an APC = 0.98% between 2001 and 2017-2018. If the historical rate of progression is maintained, it is expected that by 2030, 89.35% of pregnant women will be using skilled birth attendance services. CONCLUSION: Efforts are needed to understand the drivers of skilled birth attendance among pregnant women to adopt appropriate strategies.

Quality of maternal care in the hospital pyramid in Benin: Challenges and prospects / La qualité des soins maternels de la pyramide hospitalière au Bénin : défis et perspectives

Introduction: The quality of health care in general and that of maternal health in particular is an issue that concerns all countries, especially developing countries like Benin. Purpose of research: To assess the quality of care offered to mothers within the hospital pyramid in Benin. Results: Out of a total of 36 hospitals surveyed, nine (25%) did not have a neonatal unit. This study showed an overall fair quality in the area of maternal care with an average score of 3.6. Thus, the differences in the quality of this care obtained need significant improvement. Providers' satisfaction was acceptable unlike beneficiaries who expressed dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Most hospitals in Benin do not yet provide quality maternal care, which is effective, efficient, continuous, accessible, and safe. Evidence-based interventions that focus on the identified shortcomings will improve the quality of maternal health care in Benin's hospital pyramid.

Introduction: La qualité des soins de santé en général, et de la santé maternelle en particulier, est une question qui interpelle tous les pays, en l'occurrence ceux en voie de développement comme le Bénin. But de l'étude: Évaluer la qualité des soins offerts aux mères au niveau de la pyramide hospitalière au Bénin. Résultats: Sur un total de 36 hôpitaux enquêtés, neuf (25 %) ne disposaient pas d'une unité de néonatologie. Cette étude a montré globalement une qualité passable dans le domaine des soins maternels avec un score moyen de 3,6. Ainsi, les écarts de qualité de ces soins obtenus nécessitent des améliorations importantes. La satisfaction des prestataires était acceptable contrairement aux bénéficiaires qui ont manifesté une insatisfaction. Conclusions: La plupart des hôpitaux du Bénin n'assurent pas encore des soins maternels de qualité, c'est-à-dire des soins efficaces, efficients, continus, accessibles et garantissant la sécurité des patients. Des interventions probantes focalisées sur les dysfonctionnements identifiés permettront d'améliorer la qualité de la santé maternelle au niveau de la pyramide hospitalière du Bénin.