Reasons for choosing traditional birth attendants as childbirth helpers: A phenomenological study at Borong health center

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the reasons why the mothers choose a traditional birth attendant as a birth delivery helper at Borong Health Center in East Nusa Tenggara Province.

Methods

It was a qualitative study with in-depth interviews was conducted for the present study. The participants (N = 16) were selected purposely, consisting of eleven mothers who gave birth at home and were assisted by traditional birth attendants, two midwives, and two active traditional birth attendants, one community leader and the head of the community health center. Open interview guidelines were used to explore the reasons why mothers still choose traditional birth attendants for their birth deliveries. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis approach.

Results

The results of the study show that the unavailability of transportation facilities to health facilities, ancestral traditions, kinship with the traditional birth attendant, poor weather during delivery and poor road conditions made it difficult for mothers and families to go to health facilities.

Conclusion

Thus, situated by many factors, the pregnant women at Borong Health Center still choose traditional birth attendant as their delivery helper.