Abstract:
Background: Regardless of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health's (MoH) policy that excludes
traditional birth attendants from conducting deliveries at home and encourages all women to
give birth at health facilities by skilled health providers, women still give birth at home assisted
by TBAs. The main reason contributing to the mothers preference for TBAs are not well
understood. This qualitative study, therefore, is to understand these reasons and to explore their
experience related to child birth.
Objective: The objective of the study is to understand and examine the underlying reason for
women in the pastoralist areas of Afar Regional State to prefer home delivery and seek the help
o fTraditional Birth Attendants (TBAs).
Methods: Qualitative phenomenological study design with homogenous purposive sampling
method was conducted in the three selected kebeles. Three Focus group discussion with
delivered mothers and twelve in-depth interview with key kebele members were deployed. Field
notes and digital voice recorder had been used for data collection method. Analysis was done
systematically using thematic analysis with software (i.e. open code).
Results: The findings of this study show that Afar women have a TBA assisted home delivery
practice; and they don't seek health facility delivery service unless there are complications. The
main reason mention for not going to facility delivery are traditional norms, mobile lifestyle
favoring home delivery, negative perception to health providers and examination procedures,
low awareness about the benefits of health facility delivery, They had high regard for TBAs
trustworthiness and care; and prefer home for comfort and privacy.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings suggest the existence of multiple factors
contributing to home delivery and strong tie between the TBAs and the community influencing
their preference. The health service should reconsider the current role of the TBAs, and its
convenience and approach to local community in the context of their socio-cultural traditions,
norms and lifestyles in order to improve health facility delivery coverage.
...................................... Thesis available at ACIPH Library