Patient Perceptions of Midwifery Care, Debre Markos Ethiopia

Background:As in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia has persistently high levels of maternal mortality (676 deaths/100,000 live births) and low levels of skilled birth attendance at delivery (<15%). There is increasing recognition that one of the reasons women are reluctant to use maternal health services is poor service quality, and in particular fears of provider mistreatment. This qualitative research project studies patient’s perceptions of the quality of midwifery care and experiences of disrespect and abuse in maternal and child health services.

Methodology:This retrospective pilot study is conducted in Debre Markos town, in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. We conduct 25 in-depth interviews with women who have given birth within the last 6-12 months at health facilities (~20) or at home (~5). Women are recruited at local clinics or through health extension workers. Interview questions cover provider-patient interactions, factors associated with patient satisfaction, experiences of mistreatment while receiving care and patient’s beliefs about how services should be delivered. Data are triangulated with information from interviews with third-year midwifery students and local midwives.

Findings: Forthcoming:  interviews are being conducted in February and March 2015.

Implications: Results will inform the construction of the next National Census of Ethiopian Midwives, and in turn can help strengthen Ethiopian midwives’ training and provision of respectful patient-centered care.