Who are midwives and traditional birth attendants according to the users in the rural area?
Abstract: Skilled traditional
birth attendants as non-health workers (paraji) were risk factors for the
incidence of maternal and perinatal mortality. Although the government has
provided abirth insurance, rural communities still choose traditional birth
attendant as their birth helper. The study aims at investigating women’s
perceptions and experiences of birth helped by midwife and traditional birth
attendant.
Methods: The qualitative study with phenomenological approach were
conducted through indepth interviews using an interview guide. Data collection
was conducted from June to July 2013 at Gajah Mekar Village, Kutawaringin
District, Bandung Regency. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling
technique. Total participants involved in this study were 12 women.
Results: This study finds out that childbirth women distinguish maternity
services provided bymidwives and traditional birth attendants according to ages
and appearances, beliefs/cultures, place of having birth, economic, delivery
assistance, psychological and physical needs, post-natal care, and the
danger/safety in childbirth.
Conclusions: Strong culture in rural communities becomes an obstacle to
equitable health care distribution. The government and related education
institutions should collaborate in order to improve and enhance the quality of
midwives and their services, so that birth assistances by traditional birth
attendants can be suppressed.
Keywords: Midwife, services,
traditional birth attendant, perspective, service users
Penulis: Indrayani Indrayani,
Romaulina Sipayung
Kode Jurnal: jpkebidanandd160278
