Publication: Determinants of skilled birth attendants for delivery in Nepal
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This review is to explore the factors affecting the uptake of skilled birth attendants
for delivery and the issues associated with women’s role and choices of maternal
health care service for delivery in Nepal. Literature was reviewed across the globe
and discussed in a Nepalese context. Delivery by Skilled Birth Attendance serves as
an indicator of progress towards reducing maternal mortality worldwide, the fifth
Millennium Development Goal. Nepal has committed to reducing its maternal mortality
by 75% by 2015 through ensuring accessibility to the availability and utilisation of
skilled care at every birth.
The literature suggests that several socio-economic, cultural and religious factors play
a significant role in the use of Skilled Birth Attendance for delivery in Nepal. Availability
of transportation and distance to the health facility; poor infrastructure and lack of
services; availability and accessibility of the services; cost and convenience; staff
shortages and attitudes; gender inequality; status of women in society; women’s
involvement in decision making; and women’s autonomy and place of residence are
significant contributing factors for uptake of Skilled Birth Attendance for delivery in
Nepal.
The review found more quantitative research studies exploring the determinants of
utilisation of the maternal health services during pregnancy in Nepal than qualitative
studies. Findings of quantitative research show that different social demographic,
economic, socio-cultural and religious factors are responsible for the utilisation of
maternal health services but very few studies discussed how and why these factors
are responsible for utilisation of skilled birth attendants in pregnancy. It is suggested
that there is need for more qualitative research to explore the women’s role and choice
regarding use of skilled birth attendants services and to find out how and why these
factors are responsible for utilisation of skilled birth attendants for delivery. Qualitative
research will help further exploration of the issues and contribute to improvement of
maternal health services.
Key Words
Asia, developing country, maternal health, pregnancy, skilled birth attendance
Description
1-3Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Ladbroke House, London Metropolitan University, UK
4Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health, School of Health & Social Care, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK