Analysis of the social acceptability of a humanized childbirth intervention in Senegal: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In efforts to improve the quality of women's care and enhance related experiences in Senegal, the Senegalese government implemented an intervention named "humanized childbirth" in their health facilities. AIM: To analyze the social acceptability of humanized childbirth as well as its relevance given the social values in Senegal. METHODS: A multiple-case study was conducted within four health facilities in Dakar. Breastfeeding mothers (n = 20), pregnant women (n = 4), midwives (n = 8), Bajenu Gox (n = 4), members of the Health Development Committee (n = 4), and men from the community (n = 4) were interviewed individually, and a documentary analysis was done. The thematic analysis was performed using the acceptability theoretical framework. FINDINGS: The results show that most participants agreed with the idea of humanized childbirth. However, participants display varying viewpoints as to the social acceptability of various components of the intervention. While there is an overall agreement concerning the benefits of motivated and attentive health professionals focused on prevention, restoring dignity for the parturient woman, freedom to eat and drink, massages and relaxation, the same cannot be said about the freedom of choice for birth positions and companionship. DISCUSSION: The contrasting viewpoints as to the acceptability of humanized childbirth can be explained by the perception of risk and lack of experience with free birthing positions, as well as structural and cultural barriers surrounding the notion of companionship. CONCLUSION: Education and awareness of the benefits of free birthing positions and companionship would be required among Senegalese women to enable a cultural shift in maternity wards in Senegal.

L'impact d'une intervention d'humanisation des accouchements sur l'expérience de soins des femmes au Sénégal.

INTRODUCTION: Violence against women during institutional childbirth is recognized as a major barrier to the quality of care. In recent years, several countries have implemented interventions aimed at improving the childbirth experience of women through humanized care. However, the literature on the effectiveness of these interventions remains weak. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH: The aim of this study is therefore to analyze the experience of care of women regarding the intervention of humanized childbirth in Senegal. Qualitative research based on a multiple case study was done. Three collection methods were used: observation, individual interview, and document analysis. Individual interview were carried out with 20 women. RESULTS: In general, women who gave birth following the intervention appreciated their experience due to changes such as the opportunity to eat and drink, to be accompanied by a trusted person and to choose their position during childbirth. However, it was the way in which women were received at the health facility and the attitude of health professionals that were decisive in their level of satisfaction with care. Few women benefited from all the components of the intervention. The difficulties encountered in the implementation such as non-functional delivery rooms, the lack of qualified human resources and the lack of awareness of the intervention explain this. CONCLUSIONS: Our results therefore suggest that improving the quality of care at birth, for a “humanized” (or natural, respectful) birth, is only possible when certain materials and medical conditions are met and prepared in advance, during the prenatal period.