Mothers’ Willingness to Deliver at Health Facilities in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal morbidity and mortality are a public health concern in most developing countries. It has been shown that skilled attendance at birth can be the single most effective intervention in preventing maternal death. However, limited studies have updated current knowledge on why some women prefer to deliver at health facilities and others do not. The study was aimed to explore mother’s willingness to deliver at the health facilities and attitudes toward service providers in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Methods and Materials: This was a qualitative cross-sectional study design conducted in four districts of the Dodoma region. The study population was women of reproductive age with their (spouses) who had children aged less than two years, health care providers, TBAs, and community leaders. We conducted eight focused group discussions (FGDs) and fourteen In-depth interviews (IDIs) using interview guides and an IDI checklist respectively. Data were transcribed and translated from Kiswahili to English. The transcribed documents were then exported into NVivo 10 software to facilitate the coding process and analyzed through a thematic approach.

Results: The study participants reported that the majority of women were willing to deliver at health facilities but some still preferred home delivery due to different reasons including positive or negative attitudes toward service provided by nurses and traditional birth attendants.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest for health care providers customize respectful maternity care to all women. This may encourage all women to deliver at the health facilities; hence, decreasing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.