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Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Childbirth among Pastoralist Women in North-Eastern Ethiopia: A Multimethod Qualitative Analysis to the WHO Health Systems Responsiveness Framework

Author

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  • Nejimu Biza Zepro

    (College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Samara 7260, Ethiopia
    Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Araya Abrha Medhanyie

    (School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Ethiopia)

  • Afework Mulugeta Bezabih

    (School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Ethiopia)

  • Natalie Tarr

    (Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    Center for African Studies, University of Basel, Rheinsprung 21, 4056 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Sonja Merten

    (Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
    Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
    Center for African Studies, University of Basel, Rheinsprung 21, 4056 Basel, Switzerland)

Abstract

Maternity should be a time of hope and joy. However, for women in pastoralist communities in Ethiopia, the reality of motherhood is often grim. This problem is creating striking disparities of skilled birth uptake among the agrarian and pastoral communities in Ethiopia. So far, the depth and effects of the problem are not well understood. This study is intended to fill this research gap by exploring mothers’ lived experiences and perceptions during skilled birthing care in hard-to-reach communities of Ethiopia. An Interpretive Phenomenological approach was employed to analyse the exploratory data. Four key informant interviews, six in-depth interviews, six focus group discussions, and twelve focused observations were held. WHO responsiveness domains formed the basis for coding and analysis: dignity, autonomy, choice of provider, prompt attention, communication, social support, confidentiality, and quality of basic amenities. The skilled birthing experience of nomadic mothers is permeated by a deep-rooted and hidden perceived neglect, which constitutes serious challenges to the health system. Mothers’ experiences reflect not only the poor skilled delivery uptake, but also how health system practitioners are ignorant of Afar women’s way of life, their living contexts, and their values and beliefs regarding giving birth. Three major themes emerged from data analysis: bad staff attitude, lack of culturally acceptable care, and absence of social support. Nomadic mothers require health systems that are responsive and adaptable to their needs, beliefs, and values. The abuse and disrespect they experience from providers deter nomadic women from seeking skilled birthing care. Women’s right to dignified, respectful, skilled delivery care requires the promotion of woman-centred care in a culturally appropriate manner. Skilled birthing care providers should be cognizant of the WHO responsiveness domains to ensure the provision of culturally sensitive birthing care.

Suggested Citation

  • Nejimu Biza Zepro & Araya Abrha Medhanyie & Afework Mulugeta Bezabih & Natalie Tarr & Sonja Merten, 2021. "Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Childbirth among Pastoralist Women in North-Eastern Ethiopia: A Multimethod Qualitative Analysis to the WHO Health Systems Responsiveness Framework," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12518-:d:689863
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kevin Pottie & Charles Hui & Prinon Rahman & David Ingleby & Elie A. Akl & Grant Russell & Li Ling & Kolitha Wickramage & Davide Mosca & Claire D. Brindis, 2017. "Building Responsive Health Systems to Help Communities Affected by Migration: An International Delphi Consensus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Jonathan Davies & Richard Bennett, 2007. "Livelihood adaptation to risk: Constraints and opportunities for pastoral development in Ethiopia's Afar region," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(3), pages 490-511.
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