The views of Botswana adults towards support during childbirth: research

Abstract

The positive effect of support during labour is well documented in the literature. It is not known whether the Botswana males are interested in supporting their partners during labour, or whether the women really want them there, especially in the African culture where it may be taboo for a man to witness a delivery. In this research the views of Botswana adults regarding support during labour were explored and described in a qualitative study. Focus group discussions were conducted with groups of males and females from urban and rural areas of Botswana. The conclusion from the findings in this study is that Botswana adults of childbearing age feel that a woman in labour needs support from a relative of her own choice.



Die positiewe effek van ondersteuning tydens baring is goed gedokumenteer in die literatuur. Dit is egter nie bekend of Botswana mans hul vrouens wil ondersteun tydens baring nie, en of die vrouens hulle regtig daar wil hê nie, veral in die Afrika kultuur, waar dit taboe is vir 'n man om 'n bevalling waar te neem. In die navorsing word die menings van volwasse Botswanas aangaande ondersteuning tydens baring verken en beskryf in 'n kwalitatiewe studie. Fokusgroep onderhoude is gevoer met groepe mans en vrouens van landelike en stedelike areas in Botswana. Die gevolgtrekking is dat volwassenes in Botswana voel dat vrouens ondersteuning tydens baring nodig het van 'n familielid van hul keuse.


(Health SA Gesondheid: interdisciplinary research journal: 2002 7(1): 82-92)